James Harden was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets a little over two months ago. Returning to this topic after the NBA trade deadline — in which Victor Oladipo was dealt to the Miami Heat — is an interesting exercise in viewing how a trade changes over time.
The trade was a massive four team deal that involved the Nets, Rockets, Pacers, and Cavaliers. The terms were as follows:
Brooklyn Nets Received: James Harden from the Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers Received: Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince
Houston Rockets Received: Victor Oladipo, Rodions Kurucs, Dante Exum, 2022, 2024, and 2026 first round picks (via Brooklyn), a 2022 first round pick (via Milwaukee), and four pick swaps (via Brooklyn)
Indiana Pacers Received: Caris LeVert
The Nets Perspective on this trade with the Rockets
The Brooklyn Nets are currently very happy with this trade involving the Rockets. James Harden has played at an MVP level since joining Brooklyn. Harden is posting averages of 25.5 PPG on 61.7% true shooting, 11.5 APG, and a great 123.5 Offensive Rating.
Harden has kept the Nets afloat despite the absences of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Nets are 30-15 and fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The Harden deal with the Rockets sapped the Nets ability to make any extra deadline moves, but there was little movement from other contenders at the deadline so there is little for the Nets to be upset about here.
The Cavaliers Perspective
While the Rockets contemplate what has happened to them, the Cleveland Cavaliers might be the most satisfied with how this deal turned out for them. Having to give up only Dante Exum and a Bucks' first-round pick to get their potential center of the future in Jarrett Allen must seem like a steal in Cleveland. Allen is the ideal center to protect the rim behind the Cavs' young stars, Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.
The Cavaliers have been bad this season, posting an NBA worst negative 7.5 net rating. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing from the Cavaliers' perspective as they are not really trying to be good this year. Allen is a good rim protector and lob threat with a developing offensive game. He is set to be a restricted free agent this offseason and his market will be interesting. Despite having to pay him this summer, the Cavs are happy to have got him for very little in terms of assets.
The Rockets Perspective
Houston gained a treasure trove of picks from the Harden trade. Four guaranteed first round picks and four pick swaps is a Prei-esque haul and Rafael Stone did a good job to secure that many assets. Rodions Kurucs and Dante Exum are yet to receive any real playing time from the Rockets but Oladipo certainly did.
Oladipo was playing very poorly for the Rockets prior to the trade to Miami. Oladipo has struggled to return to his pre-injury form since he tore his hamstring all the way back in January of 2019. In the trade to Miami, the Rockets received two players as salary matching and another pick swap. Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley are unlikely to be huge parts of the Rockets rotation, but getting a pick swap for Oladipo is a solid move.
The Pacers Perspective
Caris LeVert missed some time directly after the trade to the Pacers because of lump that was found on his kidney. Luckily, LeVert is feeling healthy now and his first couple games with the Pacers have been very impressive.
LeVert provides an offensive creator that the Pacers haven't had since TJ Warren went down with a broken foot. LeVert can create his own shot and create for others as well. His offensive scoring package has given the Pacers an offensive boost, helping them win three of their last four. The Pacers only had to give up Oladipo, who was unhappy and unlikely to resign with the team (before he was sent to the Rockets), so LeVert has been a clearly positive addition for Indiana.
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