After months of skepticism about how the Sixers would navigate the ugly Ben Simmons situation, Daryl Morey and Philadelphia’s brass answered their critics with a boom.
According to Shams Charania, the Sixers have acquired James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons.
A team source confirmed that Seth Curry and Andre Drummond are included in the outgoing package. Philadelphia will also receive Paul Millsap. Beyond that, a team source confirmed that the Sixers surrendered a 2022 first-round pick that can be deferred 1 year.
Additionally, Philadelphia compensated Brooklyn with a 2027 first-round pick. It is protected 1 through 8. If that pick doesn’t convey, it would become a 2028 first-rounder. The same protections apply. If that doesn’t convey, it becomes 1 2028 2nd-round pick. In that scenario, Brooklyn would also receive cash compensation of $2 million.
After a week of rising smoke, Daryl Morey acquired the star shot-creator that he had pursued since coming to Philadelphia. Joel Embiid got a partner to help shoulder the offensive load that he had carried all season long en route to being the MVP favorite. And by the looks of it, he’s quite relieved to be done with the Simmons situation:
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) February 10, 2022
Perhaps most importantly, the cloud of wasting a season with Simmons holding out has dissipated. Both sides get to move on from disgruntled players in Harden and Simmons and refresh their rosters with nearly 30 games remaining in their respective seasons. Both stars get the new beginnings they desired for some time.
The Nets get something in return for a star who was seemingly out the door, instead of losing him for nothing:
Nets made the James Harden trade because they felt he was going to Philadelphia in the offseason, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/NxdWgtbhIm
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) February 10, 2022
