The Houston Rockets sent James Harden to the Nets in a mega four-team change that also involves the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers, completing the departure of the disgruntled Houston star and establishing a potential super team in Brooklyn, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
The Nets sent Houston a multi-player package and draft picks that included baseman Caris LeVert, who was later traded to the Pacers by Victor Oladipo, sources told ESPN.
Center Jarrett Allen and winger Taurean Prince head from the Nets to the Cavs in the deal, according to sources, while the Rockets host Cleveland base Dante Exum and Brooklyn winger Rodions Kurucs.
Houston also receives Brooklyn’s three unprotected first-round draft picks (2022, 2024 and 2026) in the deal, as well as selection changes in 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027, according to sources. The Rockets also get Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2022, through the Milwaukee Bucks.
The deal brings Harden together with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Kevin Durant and former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni, who is now Steve Nash’s assistant coach. The Nets also have Kyrie Irving at All-Star base, and should be considered a serious title contender in the Eastern Conference.
The change comes a day after Harden said the Rockets “just weren’t good enough” after an overwhelming loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Before the exchange, Rockets coach Stephen Silas told reporters Wednesday that Harden would not be in practice and said, “We feel it was better for the group and better that James didn’t come.”
Harden made it clear to owner Tilman Fertitta before the season that he did not believe in the direction and ability of the franchise to compete and preferred to be switched to a team that was in a better position to win, sources said.