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

By Adam 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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James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Nets
PORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Cons of Nets’ James Harden Trade

Every draft pick the Nets had to their name is gone.

Harden just chased his way out of Houston, alienating every teammate along the way in a COVID-related crime spree gone haywire.

Kyrie Irving isn’t playing right now and only does so when he so chooses.

I think that’s it? Fairly major cons.

Oh, and all three players in the headline-grabbing trio could theoretically leave en masse after next season.

This whole shebang is in place for a minimum of two years, but also…players have been empowered. Two years could be it. At which point, there will be nothing left under the Barclays roof except buffalo wings.

Mortgaging the future to win now is a trendy move, but when there’s a solid chance that “now” can all join hands in 1.5 years and split town with their overflowing cash-filled suitcases, that’s a worrisome element.

And…without Jarrett Allen…who plays defense on this team? Hand the keys to Bruce Brown and tell him to guard the 5?

The last time people told Brooklyn their future was dead on arrival, they pieced together a battling young core, then parlayed that enthusiasm into a Steve Nash-led megalith — and, by the way, if this team falls short of its Finals goal, as is usually the case in Year 1 of a roster implosion, Nash is a clear sacrificial lamb.

Now, players have become almost power-mad, with Irving’s as-yet-unjustified absence, which didn’t come with an excuse note, standing in as the latest example of unchecked whimsy. Two of the three members of this trio have been extremely problematic in recent stops, and there’s no backup for either member.

It’s worth a try, for sure. But the blowout potential is immense, and anyone who tells you differently has been blinded by Bleacher Report highlight packages.

Two years to make it work. Here goes nothing, and also here goes everything. And all this for a fan-less season, huh?