James Harden has finally been granted his trade request.  Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets trade James Harden to Nets in blockbuster four-team deal

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: 

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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