NBA world reacts to blockbuster James Harden trade

The NBA world was thrown for a loop Wednesday afternoon when it was announced that a James Harden trade had finally taken place.

The three-time reigning scoring champion and former MVP was dealt from the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster four-team trade that includes the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Houston receives four first-round picks and four pick swaps as the centerpieces in the deal. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert heads to Indiana in exchange for the Rockets receiving All-Star guard Victor Oladipo. Cleveland makes out as bandits, adding stud young center Jarrett Allen for pennies on the dollar (details of the blockbuster here).

Needless to say, the NBA world has been waiting for a James Harden trade over the past couple months after he requested to be moved ahead of the 2020-21 season. Since then, drama has plagued both the star guard and his organization.

As for the trade itself, there was a lot of talk on social media.

Related: If you’re a fan of the Nets, check out #BrooklynTogether rumors, rankings, and news here

Reactions to blockbuster James Harden trade

James Harden hired Jason Ranne and Chafie Fields from Wasserman to secure a trade for him. They worked closely with the Rockets and all teams involved to secure the deal. Wasserman also represented Russell Westbrook and worked closely with the Rockets on his trade to Wizards. https://t.co/4LG0hC5wmz

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 13, 2021

When #NBATwitter can't look away from the James Harden news: pic.twitter.com/QZ3nK5PxXY

— ESPN (@espn) January 13, 2021

KEVIN DURANT.
KYRIE IRVING.
JAMES HARDEN.

Wow, wow, wow. pic.twitter.com/tPTYzDcH8c

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 13, 2021

Hey @JHarden13 wanna go halfsies on a gym membership in Brooklyn?

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) January 13, 2021

There are only seven active players in the NBA with a career Usage Rate above 29%.

Three of them–Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden–now play for one team

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 13, 2021

Kevin Durant
James Harden
Kyrie Irving
Joe Harris
DeAndre Jordan

UNREAL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/opK5piigSF

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 13, 2021

In case you missed it, in the last ten minutes Cyberpunk 2077 DLC was delayed, James Harden was traded to the Nets, and the President of the United States was impeached

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) January 13, 2021

Who would have guessed a year ago that both Deandre Hopkins and James Harden would have been traded from Houston?

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 13, 2021

Nets just traded for James Harden. Now they have KD, Harden, and maybe Kyrie in the starting lineup. That’s scary! 😳

Lakers in 4. pic.twitter.com/opky1gT7yL

— The Culture (@USCulture__) January 13, 2021

https://twitter.com/Kofie/status/1349471281738035203?s=20

The James Harden trade obviously shakes up the foundation of the NBA as we know it. With the Kyrie Irving situation still ongoing after he’s missed the past three games for “personal reasons,” Kevin Durant now has another former MVP as a running partner.

Related: NBA power rankings

It’s too early to say whether this blockbuster will lead to the Nets being favorites back east. Remember, they are still a mere 6-6 on the season. What we do know is that general manager Sean Marks has built a super team in the truest sense of the team.

How these egos play out under inexperienced head coach Steve Nash is also a major backstory here. Irving has been nothing but drama in Brooklyn. Durant has an ego the size of Saturn. All the while, we know what the issue has been for Harden in Houston ahead of this trade.

Stay fun, NBA.