How the James Harden Trade Haunt Continues to Shape the NBA Future

The Brooklyn Nets’ bold 2021 trade for James Harden has created a lasting ripple effect. Four years later, the consequences are still unfolding dramatically. The Houston Rockets now hold significant leverage over the Nets’ future. This complex deal continues to impact both franchises’ trajectories.

According to reports from The Athletic, the original blockbuster sent Harden to Brooklyn. In return, Houston received a massive haul of draft capital. This included unprotected first-round picks and the rights to multiple pick swaps stretching years into the future.

The Rockets’ Draft Windfall from the Harden Deal

The 2021 trade was historic in its scope. Houston acquired the Nets’ unprotected first-round picks for 2022, 2024, and 2026. They also secured pick swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027.

To date, this capital has directly yielded players like Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard. The Rockets later re-engaged with Brooklyn in a separate 2024 transaction. This subsequent deal further shuffled the future draft obligations between the clubs.

Ultimately, Houston secured four future first-round assets. The bulk of these are now tied to the Phoenix Suns’ performance. The long-term payoff for the Rockets remains substantial.

Reversed Fortunes and a Looming 2027 Deadline

The team dynamics have completely flipped since the trade. The Rockets are now a Western Conference contender with a strong record. They are building a promising future with their acquired assets.

The Nets, however, are struggling near the bottom of the standings. Their current record puts them in position for a high lottery pick. This creates a precarious situation due to the remaining pick swap owed to Houston.

Analyst John Hollinger of The Athletic highlighted the urgency. He noted the Nets must improve quickly to avoid handing a valuable pick to Houston. The 2027 pick swap gives the Rockets the right to exchange their own first-round selection for Brooklyn’s.

The James Harden trade proves that major NBA deals can echo for a decade. Houston’s patience is paying off with a treasure trove of future assets. Brooklyn’s roadmap to contention is now complicated by the debts of its past.

Thought you’d like to know

Who did the Rockets draft with picks from the Harden trade?

The Rockets selected forward Tari Eason with the 17th pick in 2022. They also drafted guard Reed Sheppard using a pick acquired from the Nets.

What draft picks do the Rockets still own from Brooklyn?

Houston owns Brooklyn’s unprotected first-round picks in 2026 and 2028. They also hold a critical pick swap option with the Nets for the 2027 NBA Draft.

Why are the Nets in a difficult position now?

The Nets’ poor record means their 2027 draft pick could be very high. The pick swap with Houston could force them to surrender that valuable lottery selection to the Rockets.

How did the later 2024 trade between the teams change things?

That deal canceled the 2025 pick swap. It also sent more future Phoenix Suns picks to Houston, further enriching the Rockets’ future asset pool.