The week of January 11, 2021 the NBA witnessed yet another superstar big three team up. The Brooklyn Nets are the latest team to trade for the infamous James Harden. Harden previously made his name known during his twelve years playing for the Houston Rockets by being an offensive powerhouse, through the past few years Harden has averaged a crazy 36 points, 7.5 assist, and 6 rebounds a game. With performances like those, Harden has been able to gain eight NBA all star appearances as well as gain the MVP award in 2018. 

To start the 2020-2021 season, the Brooklyn Nets were a hot topic with their duo of all stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving returning to play this season. Superstar Kevin Durant made his NBA return this year after tearing his Achilles in the 2018-2019 finals. So far this season it appears the 32 year old has not lost any of his talent in his time off and has returned to play averaging a staggering 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists and leading the Nets to the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference so far this season.

The other half of the Nets super duo, Kyrie Irving. A master at handling the basketball averaging 25 points, 6 assist, and 3 rebounds. Although the six time all star has not played since January 5, Kyrie is listed “out” for personal reasons according to the Nets. However, there is no expected return for Irving in the near future as the public still has not heard the reason for his absence. Although this has not been the first time Kyrie has had criticism for his decisions. A year ago in Boston, Irving was accused of hurting the team with his mood and being hostile in the locker room throughout the season. Overall, time will tell what Irving’s future holds with the possibility of another super team if he returns.

An outstanding four teams took part in this trade for the big three to happen on January 14. The Houston Rockets obtained Victor Oladipo, Rodions Kurucs, Dante Exum, and four unprotected first round picks. From the Rockets viewpoint, they gained more than they lost as their relationship with James Harden had been declining for months now, and in doing so set up their future for bright possibilities. The second team was the Brooklyn Nets. The nets gained James Harden after everything settled. Overall, the Nets were one of the biggest winners as they gained their third top 20 player in the league and have arguably the best offense in the league now. The third team that took part was the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers gained Caris LeVert and a 2023 second round draft pick. Indiana had to weigh out their options during this trade and won by giving up their star that would have been a free agent after this year and gaining a young upcoming Caris LeVert. Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers were the last team in the trade. The Cavs gained Jared Allen as well as Taurean Prince—two solid players that will fill gaps in Cleveland’s core lineups. This will bring some experience to the younger guards in Cleveland right now. Overall through all of the teams involved majority of the deals that happened benefited both sides