Brooklyn Nets: 3 critical areas of concern post-James Harden trade
By Jenny Lu
The Brooklyn Nets blockbuster trade to acquire James Harden has been one of the most talked-about events. It’s no secret that James Harden wanted out of the Houston Rockets. After eight seasons with the Rockets and only two conference finals appearances, it’s clear that the system isn’t working in Houston. After the Rockets traded Russell Westbrook to the Washington Wizards in exchange for John Wall and a first-round pick, the team desperately tried to make it work with Harden.
They acquired Christian Wood through a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons. Christian Wood has been thriving in Houston and is a contender for Most Improved Player this year. So far Wood has been averaging 23.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks on 33 minutes per game. All of these statistics are career highs in the 14 games he has played this season. Although Harden and Wood made quite the duo, Harden made it publicly clear that his intentions hadn’t changed.
light. Related Story. Grading the four-team James Harden blockbuster trade
In a post-game interview, James Harden told the reporters, “I’ve literally done everything that I can. It’s crazy. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.”
Shortly after, Shams Charania broke the news that the Rockets were sending Harden to one of his preferred trade destinations- Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Nets wagered their future for James Harden to complete their Big Three. After eight games, here are three keys for the team going forward.
In a three-way trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn traded away Caris LeVert, Dante Exum, Rodian Kurucs, Jarrett Allen, and Taurean Prince along with four first-round picks and four pick swaps.
Brooklyn decided to go all-in to win a ring in the immediate years. And with all that they gave up, James Harden owes them one.