Houston Rockets superstar guard and one-time regular-season MVP James Harden has been granted his trade request.
On Wednesday afternoon, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported that the Rockets are sending Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that also involves the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers:
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
Brooklyn has granted James Harden's wish to be reunited with Kevin Durant with the Nets. Huge haul for the Rockets, but the Nets were determined to get another All-NBA player in his prime -- and get him with Harden. KD, Harden ... and Kyrie Irving.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
Sources with @ramonashelburne: Brooklyn sends three unprotected first-round picks -- 2022, 2024 and 2026 in deal -- plus pick swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027. The Rockets get Cleveland 2022 first-round pick via the Bucks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
The Rockets are expanding the deal to send Caris LeVert to the Pacers for Victor Oladipo, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
Nets are acquiring a 2024 second-round pick in the deal from the Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN. For Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen solidifies their future at the center spot. Remember, he's only 22 years old.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
Houston GM's Rafael Stone's return of picks -- including four unprotected first and four unprotected pick swaps -- is one of the strongest draft packages in league history. Oladipo's on an expiring contract and Rockets can make a decision on moving forward with him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
Brooklyn has 3 open spots available.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 13, 2021
The Nets have their $5.7M tax ML, the minimum exception and likely a $5.7M Disabled Player exception. https://t.co/w92QwNtJYp
The disgruntled Harden, who asked for a trade after the 2020 NBA Finals, lashed out at the Rockets while speaking with reporters following Tuesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "I don't think it can be fixed," he said of the franchise's current state.
Earlier on Wednesday, reports surfaced that the Rockets were keeping Harden away from practice sessions and looking to complete a trade soon. Harden now links back up with two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate.
It's unknown what this development means for Brooklyn guard Kyrie Irving. Irving has missed four consecutive games because of unexplained "personal reasons" and isn't expected to return through the weekend. Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement on Tuesday that there is no finalized date for when Irving will be back with the club.
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