Boston Celtics: 3 James Harden trades that involve the Cs

"Boston Celtics get: Joe Harris, Caris LeVert, Danny Green Brooklyn Nets get: James Harden, Kemba Walker, DeMarcus Cousins Philadelphia 76ers get: Kyrie Irving, Taurean Prince, Danuel House, Ben McLemore, P.J. Tucker Houston Rockets get: Ben Simmons, DeAndre Jordan, Romeo Langford, Mike Scott, Daniel Theis, 2021 Brooklyn Nets first-round pick"

Why the Boston Celtics do it

At this point, the Boston Celtics have proven–both this season and last–that Kemba Walker is not essential to the team winning games. The “Jay’s” are who the team needs to build around, and this deal adds great role players to the second unit.

Caris LeVert has proven to be an effective playmaker for the Nets’ second unit, and Harris and Green are floor-spacing 3-and-D wings that complement the stars.

Why the Brooklyn Nets do it

Kyrie Irving is a headache and a half. Swapping his production for Kemba Walker’s more modest–but less stress-inducing–stat lines will make things easier for just about everyone on the team, including head coach Steve Nash.

Obviously, landing Harden is the true draw of the deal, and he and Kevin Durant could be the duo that brings Brooklyn to the top of the basketball world. DeMarcus Cousins is a high-upside, low-risk throw-in.

Why the Philadelphia 76ers do it

Joel Embiid has made interesting comments about the team needing to do more to help him win. Given the constant questions about his fit next to Simmons, ending the relationship to bring on one of the league’s best shooters in Kyrie Irving is a prudent move.

It has Morey written all over it.

Why the Houston Rockets do it

This is the best package the Rockets could get given how little leverage they have in deals. They pick up a franchise player, a legitimate backup center, two traditional power forwards, and a high-upside sophomore in addition to a first-round pick.