Rockets deal James Harden to Brooklyn Nets in Blockbuster trade

Photo courtesy of Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have traded eight-time all-star and former MVP James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal that also includes the Cleveland Cavaliers, in exchange for Caris LeVert, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, and a number of first round draft choices.

Additionally, the Rockets will be trading LeVert to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for two-time all-star Victor Oladipo.

Houston will acquire four of Brooklyn's first round draft choices (in the years 2022, 2024, and 2026), one of which is Milwaukee's first round pick in the year 2022. Additionally, Houston will acquire the rights to four of Brooklyn's first round pick swaps in the years 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027.

All of the aforementioned picks are unprotected, and will belong solely to Houston. It is one of the biggest draft pick hauls in the league's history.

It's a long time coming for Harden, who spent over eight seasons in Houston in a career that was beyond illustrious. Harden led Houston to the playoffs in every year as a member of the team, and was an all-star in all eight seasons. Harden had publicly stated that he believed the situation in Houston was "unfixable," leading GM Rafael Stone to make the trade today.

This might signal a long rebuild for the Rockets, who have been nearly perennial playoff-contenders in the past decade-plus. With a host of picks and a good number of aging talent, Harden's departure signals a new era for the Rockets.

Currently, Houston will be led by a backcourt of John Wall and Victor Oladipo, combined with the budding talent of big man Christian Wood. Oladipo will be a pending free agent following the season's end.