Prior to the season, it was clear that the Houston Rockets and James Harden were at an impasse. The superstar has repeatedly requested a trade from the franchise that he has called home since 2012. While the Rockets once remained firm on maintaining Harden, they have ultimately moved on from the three-time leading scorer.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Houston has sent Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Houston will receive Caris LeVert, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurcus, four first-round picks, as well as four available pick swaps. The team directly moved LeVert and a second-round pick in exchange for Indiana Pacers’ Victor Oladipo. The Cleveland Cavaliers were included as the another team in the blockbuster deal, receiving Jarret Allen and Taurean Prince.
Harden, the 2017-18 NBA MVP, is averaging 24.8 points, 10.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game through eight games this season. Tempers continued to flare in Houston’s latest loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Harden essentially gave up on the team. Other members of the Rockets, particularly John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, disagreed with Harden’s attitude.
