Rockets GM valued Nets' draft picks in Harden deal
Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone completed his first major order of business last week, dealing franchise cornerstone James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-team blockbuster deal.
Houston reportedly considered a package from the Philadelphia 76ers revolving around All-Star guard Ben Simmons. However, Brooklyn's offer of three future first-round picks and four first-round pick swaps swung the needle in its favor.
"What's super exciting about this deal is that it gives us flexibility," Stone told reporters Monday, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "In the NBA, picks are the best currency. Everybody likes them, everybody values them."
The Rockets also managed to solidify their starting backcourt in the massive trade, securing two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo from the Indiana Pacers. The former second overall pick is set to hit free agency at season's end, but Stone hopes Oladipo can be part of the club's long-term plans.
"Your hope is it's a perfect marriage," Stone said. "He's an extremely talented player. ... For him and for us, this is a really exciting time where we get to see how it works out. Hopefully, it works out gangbusters and we go from there."
Houston (4-7) is tied for the second-worst record in the Western Conference entering Sunday's slate of games.