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Rockets guard James Harden is headed to Brooklyn as part of a multi-team deal that involves significant assets from both the Nets and Pacers. According to the reports, the Rockets will receive multiple first-round picks from the Nets and Pacers guard Victor Oladipo. The Pacers, after jettisoning Oladipo, are set to receive Nets guard Caris LeVert. The Cavaliers are also involved as a fourth team in the deal.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania detailed the move once all the teams involved came into focus.
Rockets are acquiring Caris LeVert in James Harden deal from Brooklyn and sending LeVert to Indiana to acquire two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo -- in addition to the four first-round picks and four draft pick swaps, sources said. https://t.co/3Tsm0dErtP
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2021
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski highlighted the draft assets that the Rockets are set to receive shortly after the news surfaced.
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
In regards to the Cavaliers, Charania broke down the early framework of the trade in a team-by-team list.
Sources: Full current trade:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2021
Rockets: Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, 3 BKN first-rounders (22, 24, 26), 1 MIL first (22, unprotected), 4 BKN 1st round swaps (21, 23, 25, 27)
Nets: James Harden
Pacers: Caris LeVert, 2nd-rounder
Cavs: Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince
According to Wojnarowski, the Nets will also receive a second-round pick from the Cavs in exchange for Jarrett Allen.
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
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explained that the Rockets must clear a roster spot in order for the trade to work.
With the trade, Houston will go under the luxury tax by $3.65M and hard cap by $9.95M.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 13, 2021
Before the deal is consummated, Houston will need to waive a player (had 14 on the roster before the deal and now sending out 1 and taking back 3).
Harden’s desire to move on from the Rockets emerged prior to the start of training camp. The Nets were rumored to be atop his list of potential destinations. Harden, who secured the NBA MVP award for his work in the 2017-18 season, is under contract through the 2022-23 season (the final year contains a player option).
Stay tuned, we will continue to update the trade details as they arise.