{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"WINNER: Houston Rockets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Harden_J_Getty_Images_1230526501.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1610573770,"caption":"

By unloading a disgruntled superstar, the Rockets added Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, three Brooklyn first-round picks (2022, 2024, 2026), a Milwaukee Bucks first (2022, unprotected), and four Brooklyn first-round swaps (2021, 2023, 2025, 2027).

That is what we like to call an absolute haul.

Oladipo is on an expiring contract, but Houston at least gets another star alongside John Wall. The collection of first-rounders is one of the strongest packages of picks in NBA history.

"},{"title":"LOSER: Brooklyn Nets","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Irving_K_Harden_J_Durant_K_USATSI.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1610575310,"caption":"

Yes, on paper they look ridiculous. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden? In normal circumstances, that would look like a serious problem for the rest of the league.

But it turns out the Nets have a serious problem of their own right now. Irving has been absent from the team and apparently has no intention to return any time soon, and there's no telling how Harden and KD will mesh.

Not to mention, Brooklyn pretty much parted ways with their future (four first-round picks, four pick swaps) in hopes this will be the year. Depending on how the Irving situation goes, that could end up being a major mistake.

"},{"title":"WINNER: Indiana Pacers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Oladipo_Victor_USATSI_14159609.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1610575021,"caption":"

The Pacers came out of nowhere to trade Victor Oladipo and his expiring contract for Caris LeVert, who originally was sent to Houston in the massive deal.

LeVert has two years, $36 million remaining on his contract. The 26-year-old is averaging 18.5 points and six assists per game so far this season.

"},{"title":"LOSER: Philadelphia 76ers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Simmons_B_Getty_Images_1295339824.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1610576151,"caption":"

The 76ers were the other frontrunner to land Harden, but the Rockets went with Brooklyn's trade package instead. Philadelphia reportedly dangled Ben Simmons in trade discussions but was hesitant to part ways with other pieces such as Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle.

So much for that Joel Embiid/James Harden pairing Sixers fans were dreaming about.

"},{"title":"WINNER: Cleveland Cavaliers","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/allen_jarrett_nets_usati.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1610575531,"caption":"

The Cavs snuck in the deal to trade Dante Exum, Milwaukee’s 2022 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick for 22-year-old big man Jarrett Allen and 26-year-old forward Taurean Prince.

With Allen now in the mix, perhaps an Andre Drummond trade could be brewing.

"},{"title":"LOSER: Steve Nash","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/nash_steve_usati.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1610577390,"caption":"

The first-year head coach already has his hands full with the Kyrie Irving situation. Now that James Harden has been thrown in the mix, will more fuel be added to the dumpster fire?

This trade could either be a blessing or a curse for Nash and the Nets. Given how things have gone so far in Brooklyn, we're leaning toward the latter.

Either way, good luck!

"},{"title":"WINNER: Boston Celtics","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Brown_Jaylen_Harden_James_GettyImages-1128545876.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1610576120,"caption":"

The Celtics were rumored to be one of the teams inquiring about James Harden. C's fans should be happy those talks never went anywhere.

While Harden's talent is undeniable, Boston's admirable chemistry would have been negatively affected by trading for the former MVP. Any such deal likely would have included Jaylen Brown, who has performed at a superstar level to this point in the campaign.

The C's don't need Harden in order to make a run at an NBA title. In fact, they're better suited to do so with the Brown and Jayson Tatum duo leading the charge.

"},{"title":"WINNER: NBA fans","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Generic_NBA_USATSI_8465637_1_0_0.jpg","credit":"USA TODAY Sports photo","published":1610577796,"caption":"

The biggest winners of all. The massive trade sets us up for plenty of entertainment this season.

This is going to be fun.

"},{"title":"Brian Scalabrine breaks down how the Celtics could add Victor Oladipo","video":"U5_dGO1AX2GN","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/SCAL_OLADIPO_TO_CELTICS_0113211610585075759_300k_640x360_1843949123742_0.jpg","alt":"Brian Scalabrine breaks down how the Celtics could add Victor Oladipo","title":"Brian Scalabrine breaks down how the Celtics could add Victor Oladipo"},"credit":"","published":1610635768,"caption":"

Brian Scalabrine explains why Victor Oladipo may be on the table before the trade deadline, and how the Celtics could swing a trade for the newly acquired Rockets guard.

"}]}

Winners and losers from massive James Harden trade