James Harden blockbuster: analyzing winners and losers after trade

James Harden
Everything that Harden has done up to this point — flouting league COVID-19 protocols, displaying uncharacteristic frustration, publicly expressing doubt that he'd ever fix his relationship with the Rockets — was aimed at one particular goal: get the heck out of Houston. And that's exactly what he's done, playing alongside a superstar(s) in an organization looking to win now. Mission complete.

Kevin Durant
Kyrie Irving hasn't been fulfilling his role as that other superstar in the Nets' lineup to bring a title to Brooklyn, but KD has found a savior in that sense with the Harden deal. The two of them have to be viewed as the most dangerous duo in the Eastern Conference and are arguably scarier than the Western Conference powerhouse of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Houston Rockets (in many ways)
The Rockets did what they needed to do. After hearing from veteran leaders John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, it sounds like getting Harden out of town and bringing in some more eager and ready-to-play names, albeit less talented names, will be a nice change. It was an irreparable relationship, and the size of the haul they got in return was pretty nice to see in a dire situation. There's potential that many of the picks they received turn into useful assets, but (spoiler, as you'll see below) there's also the chance that they do not. Victor Oladipo is a nice additional piece, and his expiring contract means that this can be a one-and-done stint that has no bearing on the franchise past 2021 if it doesn't work out.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Don't forget about the Cavs! Though their front court now contains Andre Drummond, JaVale McGee and Jarrett Allen, the one whose future with the team is brightest is definitely Allen. Drummond is an impending free agent and McGee is in the twilight of his career. And all the Cavs had to give up for Allen, an up-and-coming center with All-Star potential, was the oft-injured Exum and two low-value draft picks.

Indiana Pacers
With Victor Oladipo's contract situation looming, the Pacers got it off their hands and received another guard brimming with talent in LeVert, who is younger and has more time left on his contract. The Pacers are great, so you could take the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach, but LeVert shouldn't be seen as much of a downgrade, if any, and his potential is higher.

Caris LeVert
It's not that playing in Brooklyn was bad for LeVert, as he actually had a huge role in recent games following Irving's disappearance and Spencer Dinwiddie's injury. But he should slot right into the starting lineup in Indianapolis and, if Damian Lillard's prediction is right, could blossom with a more regular role.

It may feel like a cop-out on my part, but I'm fully willing to accept that criticism given the complete unknown that awaits us following this trade. Thus, I'm labeling many parts of the deal in this gray area section.

Brooklyn Nets
They went out and they got their man, beating out any other competition in the deal... if there was any other competition at this point in time. It seems as though the Nets were the Rockets' second choice to the 76ers, but that Philly wasn't interested in giving up what Houston was asking. In any event, pairing Harden and Durant is a humongous move that completely shakes up the Eastern Conference. When rumors of a Harden-to-Brooklyn deal were picking up steam before the season, though, things were different. Kyrie was viewed as a top-tier superstar that the Nets could depend upon. Harden hadn't caused a series of issues with the Rockets that ruined his reputation in the eyes of many. Spencer Dinwiddie hadn't torn his ACL. Now, though, the Nets have practically no depth, and they're banking on Harden and Durant (and hopefully Irving) bringing them to a title, while mortgaging their future in the process. It's a major gamble.

Houston Rockets
Four first-round picks and four first-round pick swaps is obviously a major haul. Victor Oladipo and some other pieces aren't too bad, either. But when giving up an all-world talent who had long been the centerpiece of the franchise, the haul feels a little bit underwhelming. How many of these picks will actually be of substantial value? As RADIO.COM Sports NBA insider Ryan McDonough points out, it might not be much.

His point about Oladipo holds true, too. LeVert, given his age and contract situation, seems to be the more desirable piece in this situation — a potential rebuild ahead for Houston. But getting an expiring Oladipo instead of LeVert is a little bit of a head scratcher in my eyes.

Philadelphia 76ers
This was their chance at a player that may never become available again during Joel Embiid's career, let alone his peak. And they passed up, despite an offer from the Rockets on the table. They've played very well this season when COVID-19 hasn't caused issues, but Ben Simmons' development and fit remains a focal point in determining the future of the franchise while Joel Embiid is performing at an MVP level. Harden and Embiid is awfully enticing, and Daryl Morey resisted.

New York Knicks' publicity
So much for the Knicks having a season that warrants more attention after a surprisingly solid start. How are they supposed to get any more national attention in sports media after the Nets pull this stunt?

2021 NHL season opener
The NHL season is starting! Very exciting stuff... until this trade blew up Twitter and completely took hockey out of the news cycle once again.