NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets, Nets Become Partners Again?

It's been just over two years since the Houston Rockets and Brooklyn Nets made history by trading James Harden for a boat load of picks.

With Harden (and fellow teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving) no longer with the Nets, Brooklyn faces a new direction, one that may have them regretting this deal.

However, The Athletic proposed a trade that can help them gain some of those assets back. In the deal, the Rockets acquire Cam Johnson for K.J. Martin, Jae’Sean Tate, the No. 4 pick in 2023, and two future firsts (including Nets’ own 2024 first).

"In essence, the Rockets get their hands on Johnson, a versatile two-way wing they’ve coveted for a while," The Athletic writes. "There would need to be some creativity applied here since both Johnson and the outgoing Martin could be restricted free agents but this is a hand-in-glove fit. Johnson would slot in alongside Jabari Smith Jr. in the frontcourt and give Houston a much-needed shooting lift."

The Rockets are giving up a lot for Johnson, who was traded to the Nets in the Durant trade earlier this year, but it compartmentalizes the small forward position, giving Houston a little more clarity and a talented player. Giving up a high pick and a player similar to Johnson but worth less money in Martin could be a risk, but it is one that could pay off.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN

Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Check out the latest episodes of the Kiss of Death Podcast: