Houston Rockets: What James Harden to the Nets would look like

Houston’s return for Harden

If Houston moves Harden to Brooklyn then the conversation has to start with Jarrett Allen. Allen will be 23-years-old in April and has proven to be one of the best rim-running big men in the NBA in his short career. While his traditional stats aren’t eye-popping, his efficiency has been off the charts in his first three seasons.

Last season Allen averaged 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds in only 26.5 minutes a game. That’s 15.1 points and 13 rebounds per 36 minutes. Allen’s 64.9-percent field goal percentage ranked third in the league last season and would provide the Rockets with a true center, in the mold of the recently departed Clint Capela.

Allen is not an NBA-unicorn, a center who can shoot but he is a monster in the pick-and-roll, which still has tremendous value. The Rockets used the pick-and-roll sparingly last season but with the departure of Harden, the Rockets will definitely see an uptick in its use.

Allen is only under contract for one more season at $3.9 million but he will be an extension candidate once in town. Allen is not a great return on his own, which means the Nets will have to provide even more to entice Houston. Fortunately for both parties, the Nets are stocked full of veteran guards worthy of the Rockets’ attention.

Next: The Harden replacements