The Rockets' James Harden trade is the gift that keeps on giving

It feels like an eternity since the Houston Rockets traded James Harden. With the Nets' 0-6 start, it's a deal that still benefits them.

At the time, the deal was controversial. Some critics panned the Rockets' return. What are these first-round picks? Shouldn't they get something tangible for their franchise player?

Fast-forward to 2025. The Nets are perhaps the worst team in the NBA. They're unlikely to right the ship in two years:

And that's when the Rockets own their next Nets pick.

Rockets stand to land lottery pick from Nets

More specifically, the Rockets own the rights to swap that Nets pick. If the Rockets land the 30th pick, and the Nets' pick falls first, guess what?

The Rockets are picking first.

It's a uniquely advantageous position. The Rockets could be a contending team with a high lottery pick. That's an exceedingly rare situation:

But it would be deja vu in this case.

The Rockets landed the third overall pick in 2024 via the Nets. They used that pick on Reed Sheppard. Now, it appears that lightning could strike twice.

What should the Rockets do it if does?

Rockets will have a lot of options

One unfortunate aspect of this is that the 2027 draft is not seen as particularly strong. One wishes the Rockets' owned the Nets' upcoming pick. Between Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer, it's a star studded class.

There's no sense crying over spilled milk. A high pick in any draft is a valuable asset. Morever, the draft cycle is notoriously unpredictable. By the time 2027 rolls around, a franchise-caliber prospect who's name is currently unknown could emerge.

If the Rockets even want a prospect.

There's also the ever-present option of trading the pick. The Rockets will have particular leverage with the Nets. They're unlikely to have any players a contending team wants - that's why they're so bad - but they could be willing to fork over future assets to get this pick back. It's possible that a third team could send a star to Houston in exchange for whatever the Nets would sacrifice for their pick.

Ultimately, owning these picks gives the Rockets optionality. That's what the NBA is all about. Houston should still be in the title picture by 2027, and the Nets should still be in the lottery. The Rockets couldn't ask for more.

Put differently, it seems the Rockets got plenty back for Harden after all.