Ben Simmons received his want, a commerce out of Philadelphia. The 76ers received their second celebrity, with James Harden coming over in a blockbuster multiplayer commerce with the Brooklyn Nets.
The Sixers despatched Simmons, their disgruntled All-Star guard, guard Seth Curry and middle Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for Harden. The Sixers will even get Paul Millsap and the Nets get draft picks, in response to folks with direct information of the choice.
Thearon W. Henderson by way of Getty Pictures
The transfer was confirmed Thursday by the individuals who spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the commerce had not been introduced.
Simmons didn’t play this season for the Sixers within the wake of a commerce demand centered largely round damage emotions coming off final season’s playoff loss. Simmons averaged 15.9 factors, 8.1 rebounds and seven.7 assists over 4 seasons with Philadelphia, which drafted him out of LSU, the place he performed just one season.
His defining second as a Sixer got here when he handed up a wide-open dunk towards Atlanta within the second spherical of final 12 months’s playoffs that will have tied the sport late in Recreation 7.
Kevin C. Cox by way of Getty Pictures
Simmons was damage by criticism from teammate Joel Embiid and coach Doc Rivers over his position in Philly’s early postseason exit.
Simmons made a shock return to the Sixers shortly earlier than the season opened, however was promptly kicked out of shape and suspended for one recreation. The punishment didn’t matter, the No. 1 choose of the 2016 draft had no intention of ever taking part in. He later cited psychological well being issues.
Harden has been out with a hamstring harm whereas commerce rumors intensified. Nets coach Coach Steve Nash even said final week that Harden wouldn’t be traded.
That is the second straight season Harden was traded throughout the season. The Nets acquired the three-time scoring champion from the Houston Rockets in a deal final January, with the concept that Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would kind a Large Three. The Nets loaded up for a title run with three of the highest-paid gamers within the league. The championship run with them by no means materialized.
They’re 2-10 since Durant sprained his left knee, an harm that would preserve him out till after the All-Star break. With Irving ineligible to play in residence video games as a result of he’s not vaccinated towards COVID-19 as mandated by New York Metropolis, it positioned a heavy burden on Harden. Harden can develop into a free agent after the season, although he may choose up his $47.3 million participant choice.
The 76ers are getting an MVP-worthy 12 months out of Embiid and workforce President Daryl Morey — who was within the entrance workplace with Houston when Harden performed for the Rockets — made the deadline deal to make sure the Sixers have lots for the championship push.
ESPN first reported the deal.