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Rockets trade James Harden to Nets in four-team deal

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

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Jan 13, 2021 5:06 PM ET

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.

The Nets have their $5.7M tax ML, the minimum exception and likely a $5.7M Disabled Player exception. https://t.co/w92QwNtJYp
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 13, 2021

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.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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