Rockets’ Harden Trade Could Pay Dividends Again Soon

Houston legend James Harden was dealt to Brooklyn back in 2020 for a deal centered around picks. And one of those could pay dividends soon.

Upon the start of his tenure as the Houston Rockets’ general manager back in 2020, Rafael Stone was immediately faced with James Harden’s trade request.

It was likely no easy decision, but Stone eventually shipped the former MVP to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Caris LeVert, Rodions Kurucs, three first round picks and four first round swaps.

At the time, the package was likely a bit underwhelming for fans, who were set to enter a rebuild for the first time in decades. A couple years later, though, they were gifted do-it-all forward Tari Eason in the 2022 draft as payment.

Now, in just a few short weeks, that trade could pay dividends yet again in the form of another draftee.

Brooklyn finished with an overall record of 32-50, earning ninth in the reverse standings for the ninth-best lottery odds in the upcoming draft. Barring an extremely unlikely jump into the top-four, Houston will be selecting at No. 9 or No. 10 in June.

While the 2024 NBA Draft hasn’t gained a sterling reputation just yet, but adding a top-10 selection to the already much-improved Rockets roster would be icing on the cake. Especially after their own pick

There’s certainly still some holes to fill on the roster as a whole, and there are plenty of talented upperclassmen who could give an immediate infusion of size, off-ball scoring and more.

Regardless, Houston is set to move into the 2024-25 regular season off the back of a 19-win improvement, with most of its core 22 or younger.