Rockets tackled the James Harden issue in an impressive multi-team tradeoff

The Houston Rockets handled their star player – James Harden, and his glaringly honest feedback brilliantly.

The multi-trade between the four teams – the Houston Rockets, the Indiana Pacers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers was impressive. There was some major tradeoff of players on Wednesday.

Harden, who was previously the esteemed player of the Rockers voiced out his displeasure. This not only created discontent in the team but also accelerated the need to make the trade. The comment of Harden after the 117-110 loss on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers sparked more issues. He was then restricted from attending the practice on Wednesday.

The Rockets was trying had to get a proper deal by trading off Haden. The opportunity arose when they acquired Victor Oladipo from the Pacers.

As per the latest reports, apart from Oladipo, the Rockets will get Rodions Kurucs, four pick swaps, and three-first round picks from the Brooklyn Nets. They will also acquire unprotected first-round selection 2022 from Buck and Dante Exum from the Cavaliers.

Now, then Nets gained James Harden from the Rockets. They also got a second-round 2024 pick from the Cavaliers.

In a calculating move, the Pacers let go Oladipo and instead acquired Crais LeVert from the Brooklyn Nets.

Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers will obtain Taurean Prince and Jarrett Allen.

By trading off their unprotected first-picks in the years 2022, 2024, and 2026, the Nets have made a risky but worthy bet. Now, they cannot control any of the first-round picks till 2027. However, they are depending on the star trio of the team – Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden.

While Irving is away due to personal leave, the combined offense of Harden and Durant is enough. They can manage till Irving comes to take off the pressure. However, the reason behind considering Brooklyn as a championship contender is the reunion of Harden with closely associated Durant. Also, now Harden has the opportunity to train with Mike D’Antoni, who was previously the coach of the Rockets. He is currently an assistant in the Nets.

It is quite clear that the Rockets are placing plenty of bets on the draft picks and draft swaps. While talks of trading in Ben Simmons was on the table, the tradeoff did not take place.

The best thing to happen to the Rockets was the acquisition of the All-star Oladipo. However, he will be a free agent at the end of the current season. It is not final that he will be the Rockets for long. But since the team now has his Bird rights, they can hope to re-sign him.

Another interesting aspect of the trade agreements was the ending of the James Harden ordeal. It first started in November when leaks confirmed that Harden wanted to be out of Houston. There were also rumors of him not signing the $103 MM two-year extension deal. However, the Rockets delayed the trading in the offseason. It set off more disagreements and led to Harden coming late to the scheduled training camps.