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Brooklyn Nets: Pros and Cons of franchise-altering James Harden trade

ByAdam Weinrib|
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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So, you’ve traded for James Harden and everyone’s screaming. Where do the Nets go from here?

It’s fair to feel whiplash, Nets fans.

Two years ago, a scrappy, undermanned team fronted by young leaders like D’Angelo Russell scraped its way to the playoffs on vein ice and guile alone.

Now, that core is gone, that supplementary core is also gone, and three of the greatest scorers of a generation are all going to play their basketball in Brooklyn, clad in 1993 throwback jerseys in front of an empty arena — by design.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Brooklyn Nets fulfilled the prophecy and sent three of their own first-round picks and four first-round pick swaps to the Houston Rockets, while dealing Caris LeVert to Indiana-via-Houston and Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince to Cleveland. James Harden plays here now, as do Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, when he can be tracked down. There’s nothing here but superstars and Joe Harrises, folks.

So, how should Brooklyn feel about this bizarre, head-spinning maneuver that has somehow left fans both rooting for laundry and worshipping an instant contender?

And where is Kyrie Irving, exactly?

In this attempt to break down the pros and cons of one of the strangest days in modern NBA history, we’ll leave no stone unturned and no asset un-dealt.