1. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets land at No. 1 on this list because of how things have played out since they traded James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. Turning that deal into a four-team deal with the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers has made the Rockets’ return for a generational superstar arguably the worst trade in the history of the NBA.
The Rockets traded Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat at the deadline buzzer for Bradley, Olynyk and the rights to a draft swap in 2022. Even though Oladipo is going to be a free agent this summer, that is a mind-boggling package to receive, as they were reportedly seeking first-round picks in return for him.
So, let’s recount how things have turned out in Houston. There were four very good players moved in that deal; Harden, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Oladipo. Somehow, the Rockets are coming away with zero of those players, as they essentially flipped Harden for a bunch of draft picks, Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk. Even Rodins Kurucs, who was acquired in the Harden deal, isn’t with the team any longer.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Grading the Heat-Rockets trade involving Victor Oladipo
About the only good thing to happen to the Rockets recently was that they snapped their 20-game losing streak. Unfortunately, they should expect a lot more losses this season and probably in the following seasons as they acquired zero in terms of young, foundational pieces to continue building around in the Harden or subsequent Oladipo deal.
