Brooklyn Nets: Pursue or pass on 3 huge trade rumors

Pass: Trade for James Harden

James Harden is by far the most exciting trade rumor that is linked to the Brooklyn Nets right now. A few days ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic rocked the NBA world by breaking the news that Russell Westbrook wants out of the Houston Rockets. Rumors and possible trades that include Westbrook have been flying ever since, but it’s hard due to his contract. Westbrook and Harden were teammates back in Oklahoma City from 2009-12 before reuniting again in Houston, but Russ finished his first season with the Rockets far from being satisfied.

The Rockets have been experimenting with small-ball and put their fast-paced style play to test in the playoffs, but was quickly knocked out by the Los Angeles Lakers only five games into the second round. The team has lots of things to reconsider, and changes have been made already with Stephen Silas replacing Mike D’Antoni as the coach and Rafael Stone replacing Daryl Morey as general manager. Westbrook is in a win-now mode, and seeing no future ring with the Rockets, wants out. But where does that leave Harden?

Aside from not having won a championship, James Harden has had a Hall-of-Fame career. He finished the 2019-20 season with a career-high 34.3 points per game, so it’s clear he still has loads to offer, but he’s 31 now and time is ticking. He also averaged 7.5 assists and 6.6 total rebounds per game, on 44.4 shooting percent from the field, 35.5 percent from deep, and 86.5 percent from the line.

Forming a Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving does seem overpowered, but saying the fit is questionable would be an understatement. Although Durant and Harden were teammates back in OKC, all three players are used to having the ball in their hands so sharing would be very difficult, especially with the clashing egos of Harden and Irving.

Overall, it doesn’t seem like a good idea, but it sure is interesting to think about.