via Getty
James Harden #13 of Houston Rockets passes the ball during the preseason game between Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets at Saitama Super Arena on October 10, 2019 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
via Getty
James Harden #13 of Houston Rockets passes the ball during the preseason game between Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets at Saitama Super Arena on October 10, 2019 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
The NBA off-season is in full swing, with multiple reports of potential trades and signing. The Houston Rockets have seen one of their stars in Westbrook already request a trade. Unfortunately, the news from their end just seems to get worse, as trade rumors now swirl around James Harden too.
Recently ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets’ star man James Harden might be on his way to Brooklyn in hopes of forming a big three with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Reacting to this, NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said that reuniting Harden with his friends would be truly special for the Nets.
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Reuniting @JHarden13 and @KDTrey5 with @KyrieIrving would be truly special @BrooklynNets https://t.co/lWCiDS3vwd
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) November 15, 2020
The Nets have multiple assets to make this trade possible. If they can package a trade with Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Spencer Dinwiddie and some draft picks, they surely can land Harden.
The Harden, Durant and Irving big three sounds outright scary. Durant and Harden played together in the OKC team, which reached the 2012 NBA finals. Kyrie is one of the most skillful players in the NBA right now. This trio can wreak havoc on any defense at will.
The Nets haven’t been title contenders for quite some time now. The duo of Durant and Irving made them instant contenders, and adding Harden makes them favorites to win the title.
A Rockets Meltdown?
The Houston Rockets have been one of the top teams in the NBA, but always a step or two away from making it to finals. 2019-20 seemed like the year they went for win-now.
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They reunited Harden with Russell Westbrook, making it seem like the season where they would finally take the next step. However, the team failed miserably, losing to eventual champions in the 5 game series.
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SAITAMA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 08: James Harden #13 of Houston Rockets dribbles up court against the Toronto Rapters on October 8, 2019 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
The management fired coach Mike D’Antoni and GM Daryl Morey, who built this team, left. Westbrook requesting a trade made matters even worse.
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Now, the Rockets feel the pressure of putting up a competitive roster with a new GM Rafael Stone. Stone will face additional pressure with the trade rumors surrounding Harden getting louder and louder.
With a new coach in Stephen Silas and an inexperienced GM in Stone, the Rockets face a daunting task of convincing Harden to stay. This might be the last time we witness Harden in the Rockets.
