The NBA trade wheel is about to be humming this week and Houston Rockets superstar James Harden is now at the forefront.
A source is telling me that the Nets have engaged in talks with the Rockets. James Harden for a variation of: Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, and Jarrett Allen.
Nothing finalized, but Harden to Nets seems like real possibility. If finalized, announced on Nov 22.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 14, 2020
ESPN Sources with @RamonaShelburne and @ZachLowe_NBA: As Houston’s James Harden considers his future with franchise, one possible trade destination is rising to top of his list: Brooklyn. The idea of reuniting with Kevin Durant and joining Kyrie Irving is resonating with Harden.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2020
The Philadelphia 76ers recently emerged as a potential suitor for Harden, which has yet to materialize.
Harden’s teammate and friend Russell Westbrook has reportedly requested out of Houston.
The other star and friend Harden played alongside in Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant, is now in Brooklyn. Steve Nash is the head coach in his first gig with enough to manage with just Irving and Durant.
James Harden teaming up with KD and Kyrie in Brooklyn?@KendrickPerkins thinks there's something behind the rumors 👀 pic.twitter.com/Dy3wDblndT
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 12, 2020
via ESPN:
If the Rockets did decide to engage in trade talks on Harden, they’ve privately made it clear that they would require a monstrous return of players, draft picks and pick swaps. The Nets have two borderline All-Star guards on the roster — Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie — and several more intriguing young players.
The idea of playing together again came up during Harden and Durant’s offseason workouts together in Los Angeles. Sources said the players talked openly about whether the combination could work and how a trade facilitating it could work.
Brooklyn is still waiting for their first glimpse at Kevin Durant in a Nets uniform fully healthy. A full, active season of Durant with Kyrie Irving hasn’t happened yet.
Throwing the league’s top scorer into that mix obviously has dangerous potential. It would give Harden a chance to play with other elites again, a luxury he hasn’t enjoyed since being traded to Houston.
He’s had Dwight Howard and Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook to work with, but never established a formidable Big 3 core while with the Rockets.
Is it time for Harden to get out of Houston? Would this be the right fit for him to join Irving and Durant in Brooklyn?
Watch our conversation below on YouTube including other possible trade scenarios involving Jrue Holiday and Zach LaVine.
