Brooklyn officially has their big three. James Harden has been dealt to the Nets in a blockbuster three team trade with Houston and Cleveland. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to break the news on Twitter:
Reporting w/ @RamonaShelburne: Brooklyn’s acquiring James Harden in a three-way deal with Cleveland. Caris LeVert, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, four 1st round picks – including Cavs’ 2022 first via Bucks — and 4 Nets pick swaps to Rockets. Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince to Cavs. https://t.co/qM0ZDH4dH3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
James Harden’s relationship with the Rockets completely diminished over the last couple of months and became even worse as the season started. Harden missed multiple training camp practices due to violating COVID-19 protocols, as he was spotted in Las Vegas with rapper Lil Baby. He even has tension with teammates, causing animosity in the locker room. Nevertheless, the Rockets finally got a deal done that gives him a new home and fresh start to their franchise.
After adding Harden to the tandem of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets are all in for a 2021 championship run. In return, Houston has received young players Dante Exum and Rodions Kurucs, plus four first round picks and four pick swaps. Cleveland received players such as Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince to add to their young team as well.Â