James Harden would welcome being traded to Nets this offseason
By John Buhler
James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets would send shockwaves throughout the NBA.
If James Harden is dealt by the Houston Rockets, it just might be to the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Zach Lowe, Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Harden is contemplating his future in Houston this offseason. If he is to be traded by the Rockets, one of his preferred destinations would be to the Nets. He would join forces with point guard Kyrie Irving and small forward Kevin Durant to form a big three in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division.
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
How good would the Nets be with Harden joining Durant and Irving?
Because we did not see Durant and Irving play together last season in Brooklyn, we really have no idea. What we do know is the Nets have a new head coach in Steve Nash, a former NBA MVP who would command the attention of Harden. Not only that, but one of Nash’s top assistants in Brooklyn is his former coach and Harden’s former head coach Mike D’Antoni. It is all in play here.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reports the Nets can give up whatever is necessary to orchestrate a deal with the Rockets for Harden. They have all their upcoming draft picks, including the No. 19 overall pick in Wednesday night’s draft. Brooklyn has several players the Rockets could be interested in including Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert among others. They could strike a deal.
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Though defense may not be something the Nets will be all that interested in with this newly formed big three, keep in mind that Durant and Harden played together earlier in their careers with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden played last season with his former Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook at point guard in Houston. All we know is the Nets will become fascinating.
If Harden is traded by the Rockets, biases aside, let’s hope it’s to the Nets for entertainment value.