The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to acquire James Harden in a blockbuster four-team trade that involves the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers on January 14, 2021.
James Harden, a six-time All-NBA First Team guard and three-time scoring champion, has reportedly sought this move for months in the hope of exiting Houston Rockets, setting up a potential super team in Brooklyn.
League sources have announced that Brooklyn has offered Houston a package that includes guard Caris LeVert, forward Rodians Krucs, three first-round draft picks (2022, 2024, and 2026), as well as four first-round pick swaps (2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027). Although the deal has not yet been announced, LeVert is anticipated to be traded again to the Indiana Pacers for Victor Oladipo.
As part of the four-team trade, Brooklyn has additionally sent center Jarrett Allen and forward Taurean Prince to Cleveland to acquire a 2024 second-round draft pick, completing the blockbuster deal.
Sean Marks, the Nets general manager, expressed his thoughts on their acquisition of James Harden, stating, “Adding an All-NBA player such as James to our roster better positions our team to compete against the league’s best.” He added that he is “thrilled to bring [James Harden’s] special talents to Brooklyn.
Andy H., a senior at AISG, expressed his excitement to see a “super-team” in Brooklyn, commenting “I can’t wait to see James Harden play along with my favorite players – Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.” He additionally speculated that Brooklyn would become the NBA champions this season.
Alex K., a junior at AISG, expressed his despondency upon the departure of former Brooklyn players – Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allan, and Rodians Krucs – commenting, “As a Brooklyn fan, I’ve always enjoyed watching these players play, especially Jarrett Allan.”
This trade has reunited James Harden with Kevin Durant, his former Oklahoma City teammate, and formed one of the greatest trios in NBA history with Kyrie Irving, a six-time All-Star guard.
In his first game as a Brooklyn on January 16, 2021, James Harden made history, becoming the first-ever player to record a 30-point triple-double in his team debut.