Report: Nets To Acquire Superstar James Harden From Rockets As Part Of Blockbuster 4-Team Deal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of making a big change to their roster as they reportedly agreed Wednesday to acquire guard James Harden in what would be a four-team trade involving the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
The blockbuster deal still has to be approved by the NBA.
According to reports, the Nets would move three first-round picks and four draft swaps for the All-Star guard, in addition to several players.
According to ESPN, in addition to the three picks from the Nets, the Rockets would end up with a first rounder from the Cavaliers via the Milwaukee Bucks, and a second rounder from the Pacers, plus guard Dante Exum, forward Rodions Kurucs and swingman Victor Oladipo.
The Pacers would get guard Caris LeVert.
The Cavaliers would receive center Jarrett Allen and forward Taurean Prince.
The draft picks involved are unprotected first rounders in 2022, 2024, and 2026, along with pick swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027, which means in those years the Rockets would have the right to swap first-round picks with the Nets.
The trade of Harden would be a culmination of months of speculation surrounding his tenure with the Rockets after the former MVP reportedly told the organization in the offseason that he wanted out of Houston.
After a recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Harden said that the Rockets were "just not good enough" and that he didn't believe the team could improve to the point of being a championship contender.
If he joins the Nets, who already feature stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving , they likely will be a favorite in the Eastern Conference.
The 31-year-old Harden started eight games for the Rockets this season, averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game. He has led the league each of the last three seasons in scoring and collected the MVP award in the 2017-18 season.
An eight-time All-Star selection with the Rockets, Harden has three years remaining on his four-year, $171 million contract, though the third season in 2022-23 is a player option.
