5 Winners and losers out of the James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets

Biggest Losers out of James Harden's departure from Houston

Jarrett Allen

Brooklyn Nets former center Jarrett Allen

Such is the nature of the business, there are always players who lose out on a mega deal that is out of their control. Unfortunately in this case, it is the Brooklyn Nets' former center Jarrett Allen who has been shipped out to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

One thing that the #Nets don't have after trading Jarrett Allen: Anyone that can even come close to defending Joel Embiid.

— Michael K-B (@therealmikekb) January 13, 2021

The Cavs currently sit 11th in the East with a 5-7 record and have thus far outperformed many expectations. Gaining Allen is nothing short of a coup for Cleveland who only had to give up one future first-round pick in the deal. Allen is currently averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds and 1.6 blocks and will be an excellent replacement for Andre Drummond when he enters free agency.

For Allen, however, the deal is extremely gut-wrenching. The young center has spent his 3 seasons in the league with the Nets and will feel aggrieved having proved himself as a future Brooklyn star before Irving and Durant arrived. Considering Cleveland's cap space, Allen may not be with the side for long and will perhaps feel his talents are suited to a championship-worthy team.

Brooklyn Nets' future

Milwaukee Bucks v Brooklyn Nets

Wednesday's blockbuster announcement is riddled with similarities to the Brooklyn Nets' deal for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry back in 2013. Then, and now, the Nets traded away their future picks for success.

Although their current stars are arguably a better trio given their age, the point stands that the supporting cast and franchise's future prospects are worse off. The former greats were unable to lift the Nets to a championship during their stay in Brooklyn and the negative variables that could go wrong are just as great this time around.

Whether the Nets are able to be successful this season remains to be seen. However, fans will be hoping not only for a championship but for the security this brings knowing their stars are more likely to stay. This will be the only way to avoid the bleak outlook that faces the Nets having given up their future.