Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal 

Actually, that same Harden deal puts the Rockets in a bit of a bind as well. 

As long as they own the Nets’ picks, that means the Nets don’t have any incentive to bottom out. That means the picks are unlikely to convey in the lottery. These two organizations are stuck in a game of chicken. 

This deal puts an end to it. The Rockets send the Nets two of their picks back and get a blue chip prospect in exchange for them.

In the aggregate, they’ll have traded Harden for Kuminga, Tari Eason, and whatever draft capital remains. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Golden State Warriors Updates

That feels fair. Kuminga hasn’t had a lot of opportunity in Golden State, but he’s flashed star upside. The Rockets would do well to add him to their rebuilding core. 

Should the Warriors part with him?