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How James Harden Nets trade impacts Warriors' 2021 NBA playoff chances
How Harden blockbuster trade to Nets impacts Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The next time the Warriors face James Harden, he won't be wearing a Houston Rockets uniform.
That's because Harden is being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster four-team deal that also involves the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, according to multiple national reports.
Reporting w/ @RamonaShelburne: Brooklyn’s acquiring James Harden in a three-way deal with Cleveland. Caris LeVert, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, four 1st round picks – including Cavs’ 2022 first via Bucks -- and 4 Nets pick swaps to Rockets. Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince to Cavs. https://t.co/qM0ZDH4dH3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
The Nets are trading for All-NBA star James Harden and sending four first-round picks and four draft swaps to the Rockets, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen are being moved -- could be another team or two involved.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2021
The Warriors are scheduled to host Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on Feb. 13 at Chase Center. It remains to be seen how that trio will co-exist, and there undoubtedly are people in the basketball world who believe things won't end well for the Nets.
Brooklyn coach Steve Nash certainly has his work cut out for him in terms of keeping everybody happy and on the same page, but the talent is undeniable. And if the chemistry is strong -- and if everything falls into the place -- the Nets should be one of the top NBA title favorites for the next several years.
The Warriors, obviously, hope to meet Brooklyn in the NBA Finals at some point, and will have a much better chance when Klay Thompson returns from his torn right Achilles tendon next season. Ultimately, it's a good thing for the Warriors that they aren't in the same conference as the Nets.
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As for the Rockets, they joined in on the fun:
The Rockets are expanding the deal to send Caris LeVert to the Pacers for Victor Oladipo, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 13, 2021
This is somewhat of a risk for the Rockets because Victor Oladipo is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. If he doesn't re-sign, Houston will wish it still had the very talented Caris LeVert onboard.
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As for this season, we'll see if the Warriors -- who eliminated the Rockets from the postseason four times over a five-year span from 2015 to 2019 -- end up battling Houston for playoff positioning.
In the end, Harden leaving the Rockets for the Nets is a massive deal, and the domino effect will be felt for years to come.
