Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: 2 multi-team James Harden blockbusters

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. 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. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Harden heads to Brooklyn, Houston gets young talents, OKC lands a center

We understand that the idea of trading away one of their first-round picks is not popular amongst OKC Thunder fans. That said, if it meant bringing on a potential long-term fixture at the pivot, the proposition seems a bit more enticing, no?

In this deal, we see the Brooklyn Nets winning the Harden sweepstakes, as they add the shooting guard to their roster that already consists of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With him in tow, this already championship hopeful team gets even more menacing, and would most likely surpass the Lakers as favorites to win it all in 2020-21.

Not only do they bring on Harden, but they also get the veteran leadership, floor spacing abilities, and defensive tenacity that Trevor Ariza provides as well.

The Houston Rockets wind up getting a great combination of pieces to help them win in the now as well as consistently moving forward, as we see them bringing on Spencer Dinwiddie (averaged 20.6 points, 6.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds last season), Caris LeVert (18.7 points, 4.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds on 36 percent shooting from deep last season), and three future first-round picks (two from Brooklyn, one from OKC).

And, for the OKC Thunder, we see them bring on 22-year-old center, Jarrett Allen. Through 70 games played last season, Allen posted averages of 11.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on an incredible 65 percent shooting from the floor.

Establishing himself as one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, nabbing Allen for one of their lower-value selections (perhaps the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2022 pick) would be an absolute steal, as they’d acquire a long-term fixture at the five that could grow alongside SGA, Darius Bazley, and the rest of their young core.

If ever there were a time to cash in on some of their draft capital, it would be in this hypothetical exchange.

Next. “Pass or Pursue” on 2 recently proposed trades. dark

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