The mega deal is perfect! The Brooklyn Nets trade James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons. This is reported by several media unanimously.
In addition to Simmons, the Sixers are also sending Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to New York – namely the 2022 first-rounder (unprotected) and the 2027 first-round pick (top 8 protected). Brooklyn also has the option of deferring the first-round pick to 2023. In return, the Sixers also get Paul Millsap.
Harden still gets his wish and meets President Daryl Morey in Philadelphia. Both have worked together for the Houston Rockets for years. Harden can step out of his contract this summer if he doesn’t exercise his $47.4 million option. According to Shams Charania (The Athletic) Harden will do just that and stay in Philadelphia at least until 2023.
Simmons, on the other hand, still has a contract until 2025, for the next three years the Australian will collect around 113 million dollars. The point guard hasn’t played a single game for the Sixers this season because he didn’t feel like he could be on the field. The background was, among other things, the events in the Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta, when Simmons refused an open dunk in game 7 and was then questioned by teammate Joel Embiid and coach Doc Rivers.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports the Nets don’t want to rush things with Simmons and slowly introduce the defense specialist to the team. Simmons is said to have already had talks with Nets superstar Kevin Durant and is looking forward to the new task. Ramona Shelburne (ESPN) also reports that Simmons will continue to work with a psychologist. The Australian has complained about mental problems in recent months, which was also one of the reasons for his “strike” with the Sixers.
Brooklyn Nets also get Curry and Drummond
Seth Curry (contract until 2023, 8.3 million per year) and backup center Andre Drummond (minimum contract until 2022) are also moving to the borough with Simmons. In return, the Nets are sending Big Man Paul Millsap’s expiring contract to Philadelphia, the former All-Star was dissatisfied with his role in Brooklyn and had wanted a trade.
According to Wojnarowski, that doesn’t have to be the Nets’ last move. GM Sean Marks is said to be working feverishly to thread another trade. Both teams will meet again this season on March 10th when the Nets visit Philadelphia.
The Sixers are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference but believe center Joel Embiid’s MVP-worthy season means they can play for the championship. The same applies to the Nets, who were considered the big favorites for the title before the season. After nine losses in a row, Brooklyn is currently only eighth in the east, mainly because Durant has been missing for a month with a sprained inner ligament. Kyrie Irving can only be used in games outside of New York City due to his lack of vaccination.
The trade at a glance
| net received | get sixers |
| Ben Simmons | James Harden |
| Seth Curry | Paul Millsap |
| Andre Drummond | – |
| First round pick 2022 or 2023 | – |
| First Round Pick 2027 (Top 8 Protected) | – |
