The Ben Simmons saga and James Harden’s strange situation with the Brooklyn Nets ended at the same time, as the Philadelphia 76ers finally agreed to a deal to get the shooting guard and send the playmaker to New York.
After a couple of weeks of rumors, many reports suggesting what would happen with these two, their squads have finally agreed on a deal, giving Harden and Simmons the much-needed change of air they were asking.
Simmons hasn’t played for the Sixers since last year when he collapsed against the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs. Ever since that moment, he refused to talk with his franchise, even turning down a reunion with his teammates.
As for Harden, he’s been growing unhappy with the Nets’ current situation, as he’s had to carry the team in the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
According to Shams Charania, the Sixers are sending Simmons, Seth Curry and draft picks to Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are finalizing trade sending James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and draft picks, sources tell.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers are finalizing trade sending James Harden for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and draft picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2022
The Nets will get the Sixers' 2022 first-round pick unprotected with a right to defer until 2023 and a 2027 first-round pick protected 1-to-8, sources tell ESPN. The 2027 pick would roll over to 2028 protected 1-to-8 again. The pick turns into two seconds and $2M in 2029.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022
This is a big move for both teams, who will have a better chance to win the championship now. Simmons gets to play with a different franchise and Harden joins Joel Embiid and reunites with Daryl Morey to try to win a championship, something that didn’t happen in Houston.
Brooklyn will take its time getting Ben Simmons acclimated, but the star guard welcomes a change of scenery and has already had conversations with Kevin Durant and they’re all on the same page, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 10, 2022
Simmons has reportedly talked with Nets members, including Kevin Durant, who welcomed him to the team. This is a win-win situation for the player and the team. They get a solid playmaker and defensive specialist, while Simmons lands in a team with serious championship aspirations.
