MINNEAPOLIS -- What could wind up being a monumental week in determining the direction of the Vikings organization has begun with a blockbuster trade.

According to an NFL source, standout receiver Percy Harvin has been traded to Seattle, a deal that can't officially be finalized until 3 p.m. Tuesday when the new league year begins.

Harvin, the Vikings' top receiver, must pass a team physical in Seattle. And barring any unforeseen snags with the details of the trade, he will then become the newest member of the Seahawks, ending what was a promising yet often tumultuous four-year run in the Twin Cities.

A Harvin trade out of Minnesota has been rumored for more than a month. And while General Manager Rick Spielman repeatedly asserted that he had "no intent" to trade Harvin, the Vikings also had begun to run out of patience with constantly trying to make Harvin happy.

The moody receiver had pushed the team to deal him after his 2012 season ended with tension.

Harvin played his final game in a Week 9 loss to Seattle in early-November but suffered a severe ankle sprain in the second half of that contest. He tried to come back from the injury but was unsuccessful in doing so and was eventually put on injured reserve in Week 14, ending his season and, as it turns out, his tenure with the Vikings.

After being placed on I.R., Harvin disappeared from the Vikings' facility and was not around the team as it won its final four regular season games to reach the NFC playoffs. That was a clear indication of the receiver's unhappiness with the Vikings. But even up until now, it remains unclear as to what specifically led Harvin to his breaking point and his desire to get a fresh start with a new team.

The Vikings had tried to appease Harvin on multiple occasions. And Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier was often one of Harvin's biggest supporters. But not even Frazier could sway Harvin to work past his frustrations.

By the time the Vikings' surprising 2012 season had ended with a playoff loss in Green Bay, Harvin had the organization aware of his discontent and desire to move on.

Now, it appears the Vikings have found a willing trade partner in Seattle with an early report from Fox's Jay Glazer indicating that the Seahawks will part with the 25th overall pick in this year's draft plus a seventh-round selection this year and a mid-round pick in 2014.

Harvin had a team-best 62 catches for 677 yards and three touchdowns last season. He was also a major weapon as a kick returner, best evidenced by his 105-yard return TD to open a Week 4 win in Detroit.

Harvin's talent and game-breaking potential has never been in question. The Vikings gambled on that when drafting him 22nd overall in 2009. Harvin had fallen down the draft board as other teams worried about his maturity. The Vikings were willing to take the risk, feeling they could manage Harvin's mood swings and hot temper with the hope that they could tap into his raging competitive fire on game days.

In four seasons, Harvin totaled 280 catches, 3,302 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns. He also added 683 rushing yards and four more scores.

When the trade is indeed finalized, Harvin will reunite with Darrell Bevell, the Seahawks' offensive coordinator who held the same position with the Vikings during Harvin's first two seasons. Harvin would also join forces with Pete Carroll, who in his previous post at the University of Southern Cal, had recruited Harvin out of Landstown High School in Virginia.

(c)2013 Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

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