THE NBA has had its numerous blockbuster trades in recent years. In its history, here are some of them:
* 1952 Hawks trade rights to Bill Russell to the Boston Celtics
* 1968 Wilt Chamberlain from Philadelphia to the Lakers
* 1975 Kareem Abdul Jabbar from Milwaukee to the Lakers
* 1982 Moses Malone from Houston to the 76ers
* 1992 Charles Barkley is traded from Philadelphia to Phoenix
* 2004 Tracy McGrady from Orlando to Houston
* 2004 Shaquille O'Neal from Lakers to Miami
* 2007 Kevin Garnett from Minnesota to Boston
* 2008 Pau Gasol from Memphis to the Lakers
* 2011 Chris Paul from New Orleans to the Clippers
* 2018 Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio to Toronto
* 2019 Anthony Davis from New Orleans to the Lakers
The most recent is the four-team trade involving James Harden and a handful of players changing addresses. The full trade details are as follows:
* Nets receive: James Harden from Houston
* Rockets receive: Victor Oladipo (Pacers), Rodion Kurucs (Nets), Dante Exum (Cavs), four unprotected first-round picks, and four unprotected first-round pick swaps
* Pacers receive: Caris LeVert (Nets), 2023 first-round pick from Houston
* Cavs receive: Jarret Allen, Taurean Prince (Nets)
What does this mean for the NBA? Who are the winners and losers in this trade? It is a win-win situation for the NBA and the fans. With Harden playing for the Nets alongside KD and Kyrie, this Big 3 can contend for the 2021 NBA title. NBA and basketball fans are once again treated to a Big 3 in Brooklyn after KD left Golden State. There is no fun watching a disgruntled player play for a team he does not support.
Winners: James Harden, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers
James Harden seems happier now than when he last played for the Rockets in a blowout loss to the Lakers. There is a new era in Houston with the emergence of Christian Wood and a rejuvenated John Wall. Cleveland has become so towering with the addition of Jarret Allen.
Losers: Steve Nash and Cleveland Cavs
While having a Big three is enviable, Coach Nash also has the challenge of keeping egos in check. While they have become towering, this move seems direction-less for this season unless they give up one center in a trade for a scorer who can impact the team.
With this shakeup, the NBA is more fun to watch as teams try to dethrone the defending NBA champs.