Boston Celtics Receive: James Harden, PJ Tucker

Houston Rockets Receive: Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Daniel Theis, 2020 1st Round Pick (No. 14 Pick via MEM), 2021 1st Round Pick, 2022 1st Round Pick Swap, 2023 1st Round Pick, 2024 1st Round Pick Swap, 2025 1st Round Pick

The Boston Celtics would take on a total of $49.2 million in salary between Harden ($41.2M) and PJ Tucker ($7.9M). They would also be able to hang onto two of their 1st round selections in the 2020 NBA Draft— enabling the opportunity to add pieces to their supporting cast.

With the use of a trade exception, the Houston Rockets would take on a cap hit of $47 million. The two main contracts include Jaylen Brown ($22.8M) and Marcus Smart ($12.9M) with each player remaining earning at $5 million or below.

Let’s take a look at why this trade for James Harden would benefit both the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets.