Mark Berman: #Rockets owner @TilmanJFertitta, on @CNBC, reflects back on the James Harden trade to the Nets: pic.twitter.com/NnCBAzEdLJ
NBA Rumor: James Harden Trade?
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Celtics were more interested in James Harden than what was reported
The good news for Brown? It appears Celtics ownership, management and coach Brad Stevens feel the same way. That was evident during the Harden saga, when sources say Boston’s level of interest and involvement far surpassed what Ainge was willing to admit to when he addressed it publicly. Ironically, that deal — as opposed to a possible trade for Barnes — likely would have required Brown to be dealt.
A source briefed on Heat discussions with Houston said Miami wasn’t willing to give up Herro and Robinson and Achiuwa all together. That, combined with Miami’s lack of draft assets in the next three years, torpedoed those talks.
David Hardisty: James Harden’s goodbye statement to Houston. Interesting that Russell Westbrook liked it. pic.twitter.com/9vV9Qwx0ku
James Harden posts farewell message for Rockets fans
Michael Scotto: James Harden posted a farewell video with a message to the Houston Rockets and their fans on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/wpz7oY1JsM
Salman Ali: Stephen Silas on coaching an entirely different team than what he signed up for: “I guess it was a surprise to say the least, but that’s the NBA and change is part of the NBA and I realized that from a young age and throughout my career.”
Rockets announce James Harden trade
Mark Berman: Statement from @TilmanJFertitta on James Harden trade released by the #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Zm8EWwjUVZ
Rockets were asking Celtics for Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and draft capital for James Harden
Brian Robb: A league source tells @bostonsportsbsj that the Rockets’ asking price for James Harden from the #Celtics included Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and draft compensation. More: bostonsportsjournal.com/2021/01/14/dan…
Nets GM Sean Marks discusses addition of James Harden
Michael Scotto: Sean Marks on James Harden: “Adding an All-NBA player such as James to our roster better positions our team to compete against the league’s best. James is one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers in our game, and we are thrilled to bring his special talents to Brooklyn.” pic.twitter.com/d6yvjcHHZ7
Celtics, Rockets held numerous talks for James Harden, price too high for Boston
James Harden trade official
Ben Simmons was prepared to be traded
Brian Windhorst: In speaking to individuals with knowledge, Ben Simmons was prepared to be traded today. I don’t know if I can say expected to be traded but was prepared to be traded, was ready to be traded. They never told him he was going to be traded.
The Brooklyn Nets have acquired James Harden from the Houston Rockets, which is something Kevin Durant has pushed for “This was something Kevin Durant very much wanted,” said Adrian Wojnarowski. “He and Harden started talking about this months ago.”
Harden also leaves Texas, one of nine states without an income tax on wages, for New York, one of the nation’s highest taxing states. While Harden will continue to be owed the same amount of money over the next three years, his pay will be subject to an approximately 12.7% tax rate between New York State and New York City. In November, we ran the numbers on a Harden trade to the Nets. The short of it: He’ll pay an additional $13.6 million in taxes over the next three years. The following chart, which incorporates jock taxes and assumes that Harden will be a resident of New York City, breaks down the numbers:
Sixers felt used by Houston
The Nets and 76ers were the two teams battling it out for Harden’s services at the end of the race, but Philly felt the Rockets were using them as leverage to extract as many assets from the Nets, Harden’s preferred destination, a league source told HoopsHype.
The inclusion of the 24-year-old Simmons did not sway the Houston Rockets away from the offer from the Brooklyn Nets, where Harden ultimately landed. “The Rockets were looking at one other serious suitor: the 76ers,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on NBA TV. “They did put Ben Simmons in their proposal. But at the end of the day, the Nets’ total offer just supplanted that.”
The “Culture Nets” are now the “Talent and Ego Nets.” Sure, it’s a new regime, but Brooklyn is once again going all-in. And it’s really championship or bust in the Durant-Irving-Harden Era. Similarly, in many ways, to the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce blockbuster in 2013. “They did it again,” the source said. “But these guys are younger and have a lot more gas in the tank. It’s a big deal. It’s a heckuva deal. Granted, you’ve got all the picks involved and a rookie coach.”
Brooklyn pushed all its chips in the center of the table to acquire Harden and form a superstar trio with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. “They better win it in the next two years,” a rival Eastern Conference executive told HoopsHype. “It’ll be interesting to see how all these players and personalities get along together.”
Spencer Dinwiddie: Trapped in hyperbaric chamber for >2hrs and sheesh...
Celtics didn't want to move Jaylen Brown in James Harden trade
If you answered “yes” to that question, such a deal likely would have required the Celtics to part ways with rising star Jaylen Brown. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated said on Wednesday’s Early Edition that was a move Ainge was not interested in making. “Under no circumstances if you’re Boston do you make any kind of offer that includes Jaylen Brown. That was really the Celtics’ mindset for the last couple of months. There was no significant interest in a deal that involved Jaylen Brown. The Celtics are simply operating on a completely different timetable than the Brooklyn Nets. Their stars are Kevin Durant at 32 [years old] and Kyrie Irving at 29. You’ve got the Celtics with [Marcus] Smart, [Jayson] Tatum, Brown, a whole bunch of younger guys they’re trying to develop in their mid to early 20s.
“Trades happened today and I couldn’t allow myself to indulge in that knowing that we had a game that we had to play tonight.” LeBron James remained locked in on the Lakers’ mission after the James Harden trade. Face with look of triumph (via @RyanWardLA )
James Harden is leaving the Rockets but his new restaurant is still in play in Houston. Wednesday afternoon brought news that Harden will be treaded to the Brooklyn Nets, leaving some to wonder if his much-anticipated restaurant, Thirteen, opening soon in Midtown, would be affected. The restaurant, according to spokeswoman Sherrie Handrinos, is planning a full-court press on the Houston dining scene.
James Harden signs with agency
Wasserman: Thrilled to welcome @James Harden to Wasserman. Can’t wait to see you hit the court in Brooklyn #TeamWass
Steve Nash: It's a star's league
Alex Schiffer: Steve Nash addressing us pregame. On the addition of a superstar vs. homegrown guys: “We know this is a star’s league. Maybe we can reimagine that question at another time.” Nash can’t speak on the Harden situation fully until it becomes official.
Malika Andrews: Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, Rodi Kurucs and Taurean Prince — all part of the James Harden deal — are all now OUT tonight against the Knicks, Steve Nash says. They are not in Madison Square Garden.
Marc Berman: Thibodeau still concerned about Nets despite them missing Kyrie Irving (personal), Caris Levert (gone), Jarrett Allen (also gone). “All I know is when you have a player like Durant, he causes a lot of problems. We have to lock into who they do have. They do have quite a bit.”
Joe Vardon: In the meantime, Daryl Morey tried to trade Ben Simmons off the Sixers. I’m told Ben is ‘fine’ after today’s events, but we will all have to monitor how this goes there with him and Joel and Daryl and Doc and the whole bit
Ramona Shelburne: James Harden hired Jason Ranne and Chafie Fields from Wasserman to secure a trade for him. They worked closely with the Rockets and all teams involved to secure the deal. Wasserman also represented Russell Westbrook and worked closely with the Rockets on his trade to Wizards.
Bobby Marks: Brooklyn will catch a big break re: luxury tax In a normal season, the Nets tax bill would have increased from $57.5M to $87.1M (+29.6M). Because of the projected decline in revenue, the Nets were projected to have a $30.2M tax penalty. That number is now $45.6M (+15.4M)
Bobby Marks: With the trade, Houston will go under the luxury tax by $3.65M and hard cap by $9.95M. Before the deal is consummated, Houston will need to waive a player (had 14 on the roster before the deal and now sending out 1 and taking back 3).
Adrian Wojnarowski: Houston GM’s Rafael Stone’s return of picks — including four unprotected first and four unprotected pick swaps — is one of the strongest draft packages in league history. Oladipo’s on an expiring contract and Rockets can make a decision on moving forward with him.
Shams Charania: Sources: Full current trade: Rockets: Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, 3 BKN first-rounders (22, 24, 26), 1 MIL first (22, unprotected), 4 BKN 1st round swaps (21, 23, 25, 27) Nets: James Harden Pacers: Caris LeVert, 2nd-rounder Cavs: Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince
Adrian Wojnarowski: The Rockets are expanding the deal to send Caris LeVert to the Pacers for Victor Oladipo, sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Nets are acquiring a 2024 second-round pick in the deal from the Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN. For Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen solidifies their future at the center spot. Remember, he’s only 22 years old.
Victor Oladipo heading to Houston
Shams Charania: The Indiana Pacers are moving Victor Oladipo to the Rockets for package around Caris LeVert, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium.
Shams Charania: The Nets are trading for All-NBA star James Harden and sending four first-round picks and four draft swaps to the Rockets, sources tell @The Athletic @Stadium. Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen are being moved — could be another team or two involved.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Sources with @Ramona Shelburne: Brooklyn sends three unprotected first-round picks — 2022, 2024 and 2026 in deal — plus pick swaps in 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2027. The Rockets get Cleveland 2022 first-round pick via the Bucks.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Brooklyn has granted James Harden’s wish to be reunited with Kevin Durant with the Nets. Huge haul for the Rockets, but the Nets were determined to get another All-NBA player in his prime — and get him with Harden. KD, Harden … and Kyrie Irving.
Chris Haynes: Yahoo Sources: Although Houston will go in a different direction, a list of teams James Harden submitted as a preferred trade destination included the Portland Trail Blazers.
James Harden to Nets
Adrian Wojnarowski: Reporting with @RamonaShelburne: Brooklyn is acquiring Houston’s James Harden in a blockbuster deal, sources tell ESPN.
Shams Charania: Breaking: The Houston Rockets are trading James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
Sixers trying to keep Tyrese Maxey out of a James Harden trade
DeMarcus Cousins sounds off on James Harden
Adam Spolane: DeMarcus Cousins called James Harden’s comments “disrespectful” but he has a right to his opinion. Cousins says he has an opinion on some of Harden’s actions as well
Sam Amick: DeMarcus Cousins: “My interest is to play with John Wall, to be brutally honest. …The (Harden) disrespect started way before. This isn’t something that, you know, all of a sudden started last night. …It’s completely unfair to the rest of the guys in the locker room.”
Sixers favorites to land James Harden
Marc Stein: The haggling over precisely which players (and how many teams) would feature in a James Harden trade continues, but league sources say nothing has happened — yet — to dislodge the Sixers from their long-held position as the favorites to acquire Harden
Joe Vardon: After a raucous start, James Harden has scored 21, 15, 15, 20, and 16 points in his last five games. The Rockets lost four. It’s early, but his 24.8 ppg is his lowest since 2011-12. The Sixers view these as protest numbers. ‘Daryl (Morey) likes points,’ one league source said
Rockets interested in Ben Simmons, Tyrese Maxey for James Harden
Marc Stein: The Rockets are pursuing a trade package from the 76ers that would be headlined by Ben Simmons and Tyrese Maxey, league sources say
Chris Haynes: Houston Rockets are also requesting Philadelphia 76ers defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle in a trade package for James Harden, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
Marc Stein: Houston is increasingly determined to complete a James Harden trade as soon as today, league sources say, and has chased the promising Maxey in addition to Simmons Philly is known to covet Houston’s PJ Tucker in addition to Harden while the Nets have also remained in pursuit
Salman Ali: Christian Wood on if Houston can still be competetive without James Harden: “I do. I’m going to make this team competetive, whether they like it or not. I didn’t sign with Houston to lose games.”
James Harden away from Rockets until trade is done
Adrian Wojnarowski: The Rockets are planning to keep Harden away until a trade is done — with front office weighing best final offers from Brooklyn and Philadelphia, sources tell @Ramona Shelburne and me. Process is moving quickly now.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Houston’s talks with Sixers and Nets gathered momentum in recent days — even before James Harden’s news conference on Tuesday night, sources tell @Ramona Shelburne and me.
Jeff Zilgitt: Silas said he had a sleepless night after Harden’s comments last night. Said he talked to Harden this morning. Said Harden’s comments were hard to hear, especially when he doesn’t believe they are true.
Salman Ali: Stephen Silas: “We control what we can. We concentrate on beating San Antonio and what it’s going to take to beat San Antonio and that’s all we can control at this point.”
James Harden to be traded today?
Rockets trading James Harden soon?
The Nets have prepared a package to Houston for Harden featuring all of their four future first-round picks and three future pick swaps, multiple sources said. This would place significant pressure on the team to win immediately and the potential partnership between two former star teammates in Harden and Kevin Durant. Nets general manager Sean Marks and his front office have built an impactful culture around their players, and have been able to keep strong future flexibility in the process. For the Nets, there could be hesitation to mortgage future assets with this type of ferocity. Brooklyn does not owe any extra firsts or have any owed to it, so it has four firsts and three swaps available.
The Rockets have pursued a 76ers package centered on All-NBA star Ben Simmons, sources said. Boston and Toronto have also expressed interest at various points. Simmons, a two-time All-Star, has continued to grow his game on the defensive end of the floor. As far as star talent, the Rockets would be able to acquire a player in Simmons whose talent level may not be available elsewhere.
One player whom the Rockets and 76ers have discussed in potential packages is 2019 first-round pick Matisse Thybulle, with Houston having interest in the defensive-minded forward, sources said.
Nick Wright: News: There has been legitimate movement on the Harden front. Brooklyn is prepared to offer *anyone* that Houston wants aside from Durant for Harden, as well as 3 1sts & swaps. BK willing to make the same bet it once made on KG & Pierce, but on Harden.
Adam Zagoria: Per @Stephen A. Smith on @FirstTake, the Rockets are “strongly considering” letting James Harden “stay home” and sit out “until they’re able to move him.” “He wants to to go to Philly, that would be his No. 1 preference,” Smith said, with Brooklyn as his No. 2 option.
Nick Wright: If Houston demanded Kyrie, they could have him, but the belief is Houston isn’t interested in Kyrie. BK trying to get a 3rd team involved to potentially enhance Houston’s return. Would have a Big 3 of KD, Harden & Kyrie but very little else, no depth & no future picks. Question for Joe Tsai is is he willing to make a similar bet Prokhorov made shortly after he bought the team: Mortgaging all future assets & future abilities to improve the team for a chance to win the title right now, especially when the Harden-Kyrie fit is questionable at best.
Brooklyn still one of James Harden's preferred trade destinations
Harden and the Rockets have been a divorce waiting to happen for some time now, and that couldn’t be made clearer now. After Sunday night’s game, a 120-102 blowout loss to Los Angeles, Harden’s desires for a trade were reinforced, The Athletic understands. Privately, Harden knows the team as currently constructed can’t defeat the Lakers in a seven-game series, a reality that only further cements desires for a move elsewhere, sources said. With the Lakers being the reigning champions and the standard for a contender right now, Harden wants to maximize the window he still has, a source said. Brooklyn still remains atop his wish list, sources said, though other contenders still remain.
Barry Jackson: What we saw again from Herro, Robinson, Precious last night re-affirms why Heat unwilling to send ALL of its very good (non-Bam) young assets for Harden, as opposed to couple. Houston wants Miami to remove everything from youth cabinet to even consider.
Rockets' asking price for James Harden remains steep
Adrian Wojnarowski: James Harden’s aware that the Rockets are continuing to discuss trade scenarios with teams, although no deal is imminent, sources tell ESPN. Houston’s asking price remains steep, as you’d expect it would for a player of Harden’s caliber.
Houston’s front office is determined to remain patient until its asking price for the 2018 NBA MVP is met, sources told ESPN. The Rockets have informed teams that they want a young franchise cornerstone and a package of first-round picks and/or intriguing talent on rookie contracts in return for Harden, sources said.
The Rockets have had active/ongoing trade discussions with “more than a half dozen teams,” according to one source close to the situation, and have been communicating with Harden about those options. Harden made it clear to owner Tilman Fertitta before the season that he did not believe in the franchise’s direction and ability to contend and preferred to be traded to a team that was in a better position to win, sources said.
John Wall on partnership with James Harden: 'It's been a little rocky'
Adam Spolane: John Wall on his partnership with James Harden: “I think it’s been a little rocky, can’t lie about that. I don’t think it’s been the best it could be, to be honest. That’s all I could really say.” pic.twitter.com/ld7AZFCylQ
Kelly Iko: Wall: When you have certain guys that don’t want to buy in, it’s hard.
Alykhan Bijani: John Wall: “Like I told everybody tonight, when the 1-15 guys are all on the same page and they commit…you all will be fine. But when you have certain guys in the mix that don’t want to buy in as one, it’s gonna be hard to do anything special as a basketball team…It hurts.”
Alykhan Bijani: John Wall: “If we can all get on the same page, we can be something good here. We can’t dwell down on it because it’s only been 9 games. Come on, man. You’re going to jump off the cliff off of 9 games? There’s a lot of basketball still to be played.” #Rockets
Here, the agent’s goal is to pressure a team by fleshing out why a player wants to be traded. One example is the reasons why James Harden wanted out of Houston. “I’d get out there is a lack of confidence in management or a first-time head coach,” one agent said. “You’re not taking a direct shot, so it doesn’t personalize it to some degree, but essentially saying you can’t work with these people, or you want to win now, and my window is closing. It’s a little bit of a backhanded stab, but it’s not a direct cutting of the throat.”
James Harden on Rockets struggles: This situation is crazy and I don't think it can be fixed
Kelly Iko: James Harden: The situation is crazy and I don’t think it can be fixed. So, yea. Harden proceeded to leave the podium.
Rockets keeping James Harden until end of season?
Front office executives around the NBA say Houston is growing more confident that Harden will be content sticking around at least through the rest of the season. Sources say Harden still prefers to be dealt, and losses like Sunday’s 18-point defeat to the Lakers won’t help Houston’s case. But Harden himself expressed optimism for Houston’s future on Saturday, telling reporters, “As long as we continue to find chemistry, we have a chance to do something special.”
With the Wizards in disarray, teams thirsting for a blockbuster trade are increasingly shifting their gaze toward Beal. Though James Harden captured the entire league’s focus after demanding a trade, league sources question general manager Rafael Stone’s willingness to deal him this season. The Rockets have shown promise amid a 3-5 start—John Wall resembles his pre-injury self, Christian Wood is posting All-Star numbers, and even role players like Jae’Sean Tate are excelling off the bench.
May 7, 2021 | 9:32 pm EDT Update
Luka Doncic becomes fourth youngest player to score 5,000 points
Bobby Karalla: Luka Doncic just scored his 5,000th career point. He’s the fastest active player to reach 5K, doing so in 194 games. He’s also the fourth-youngest player in NBA history (22 years, 68 days), behind only LeBron, KD, and Melo.
Brian Seltzer: Never a doubt. @sixers overcome a 7-point deficit in the final 8 minutes to pull out a 109-107 win. Their magic number is now 3, and they extend their winning streak to a season-best 7 in a row.
Christopher Hine: The Wolves say Alex Rodriguez is sitting courtside tonight.
May 7, 2021 | 8:53 pm EDT Update
Tom Orsborn: Pop on what it’s been like with Spurs having to use so many different lineups, rotations, etc., this season: “Chaotic, I guess is the best word. But you deal with what is dealt, so that’s just the way it’s been.”
Tom Orsborn: Pop, turning to an oldie but a goodie when asked what stands out for him about the surging Kings when “he’s looked” at them lately: “I haven’t watched them play. It’s not like we are, you know, 45-0 and I have time to worry about somebody else’s team.”
Bill Oram: Frank Vogel said: “I’m unafraid of the play-in tournament with this team, I feel that we can beat anybody.” BUT he says the Lakers still want to finish in the top-6. Too many variables otherwise. Says any silver lining of getting extra games in play-in is “minimal.”
