Brooklyn Nets: James Harden trade no longer worth it after latest update

The Nets should pull themselves out of the James Harden sweepstakes after the latest update.

As soon as it became clear that James Harden wanted out of Houston and proceeded to list the Brooklyn Nets as his preferred landing spot, dozens of media members took the initiative to brainstorm trade packages that could potentially see an agreement reached.

As it turns out, however, Harden reportedly fancies a move to a handful of other teams besides the Nets. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the likes of Milwaukee and Miami have entered the discussion of ideal destinations alongside Brooklyn and Philadelphia.

If this update doesn’t prove that GM Sean Marks should pull the Nets out of the Harden sweepstakes, then we’re honestly not sure what will.

We’ve been against Brooklyn depleting their resources to trade for another ball-dominant scorer since it was first revealed that Harden was seeking a trade, but the fact that he seemingly only wanted to pursue a championship with fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving helped us warm up to the idea.

However, now that Harden has a list of teams he wouldn’t mind playing for, so it’s not nearly as exclusive as it once felt, and, as a result, the negotiations will not be favorable for the Nets.

Houston’s trade demands were finally disclosed and it’s become clear as to why things on the Harden front haven’t gained any traction over the last few weeks. Per the report, the Rockets have no interest in trading with Brooklyn if the return package doesn’t feature one of Durant or Irving.

In most scenarios, the likes of Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen — plus a shipment of first-round draft picks — were viewed as necessities in any trade involving Harden, but even that much was speculated not to be enough to appease the Rockets’ revamped front office. It turns out that apprehension was justified because this asking price is utter lunacy.

Maybe the Nets would consider Irving, but you’re insane if Durant would EVER be a possibility.

Houston’s brazenness is commendable, but there’s simply no way the Nets would trade either one of the two superstars they signed to max contracts last summer and — thanks to injuries — have yet to see share the floor together.

Could you imagine what dealing Durant or Irving would do to the other? The team’s chemistry would be absolutely shot. Despite what they claim publicly, the longtime friends undoubtedly collaborated behind the scenes last offseason before deciding to sign with Brooklyn.

In our eyes, this report should be viewed as a positive development among Nets fans. After all, it basically guarantees that their league-best depth will remain intact and the balance of power will not drastically shift.

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