There’s no turning back now. The Brooklyn Nets have officially acquired James Harden in a four-team blockbuster trade that involved the Houston Rockets, the Indiana Pacers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Nets general manager Sean Marks was one of the first to officially welcome the former MVP into the fray, with the high-ranking executive coming out with a statement, via NBA.com:
“Adding an All-NBA player such as James to our roster better positions our team to compete against the league’s best,” said Marks about James Harden. “James is one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers in our game, and we are thrilled to bring his special talents to Brooklyn.”
As part of the deal, Brooklyn parted ways with Caris LeVert (Pacers), Jarret Allen (Cavs), Rodions Kurucs (Rockets), and Taurean Prince (Cavs). Marks made sure to show his appreciation to all four guys for their time with the Nets:
“While we are excited to welcome James and his family to the Nets, we also want to thank the players who are departing. Caris, Jarrett, Rodions and Taurean were instrumental to the team’s success and have made an enormous impact on our organization. It has been a pleasure watching them grow both as players and as people and they will always be part of our Nets family. We wish each of them and their families all the best in the future.”
Marks’ welcoming remarks came complete with a banner featuring James Harden in a Nets jersey:
Brooklyn’s acquisition of James Harden is undeniably the biggest trade of the season thus far. The Nets are taking a huge risk here, considering the drama that centered around Harden as he forced his way out of Houston. Nevertheless, in forming a trio of Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving — three of the top superstars in the league today — it’s no surprise that Brooklyn is more than willing to take on that same risk.
