One of the biggest trades in recent NBA history was pulled off ahead of the deadline on February 10th. The standoff between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons has concluded, as Simmons was part of a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks were sent to Brooklyn in exchange for James Harden. This is a deal that looks like it will benefit both sides. The Nets got a little younger and more versatile, while Daryl Morey landed his guy in Harden to create a star duo with Joel Embiid.
The 76ers are looking to capitalize on a championship window with Embiid playing at an MVP level. They look like true contenders in the Eastern Conference and are even more dangerous with Harden on the team. The Nets, meanwhile advert total disaster.
Harden was going to be a free agent this offseason. With Kyrie Irving also a free agent possibility, the Nets could have been left with only Kevin Durant as the only Big 3 member on the team heading into the 2022-23 season. Not wanting that to happen, they flipped Harden for some good pieces.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Trade For Ben Simmons Save Brooklyn Nets’ Season?
The biggest x-factor is Simmons, who has not been on the court since Game 7 of the second-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. His defensive presence arguably makes Brooklyn a more well-rounded team, but he still has some hurdles to overcome before getting back on the court.
He spoke to the media, opening up about the decision to not want to play in Philadelphia any longer. Simmons shared that his decision to sit out wasn’t about the fans, coaches or comments he was hearing, he was looking to get his mental health in order before getting on the court.
This has been something that Simmons said he has dealt with before the tough playoff series against the Hawks or even that season. The Philadelphia 76ers knew, according to Simmons, as he is working through whatever is plaguing him so that he can get back on the court.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Trade For Ben Simmons Save Brooklyn Nets’ Season?
He added that it wasn’t about the money or basketball. That he needed to get in a good place mentally to get back to the level he knows he can play at.
The Nets are hopeful that he can get on the court as soon as possible. They snapped an 11-game losing streak on Monday night and will look to climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Trade For Ben Simmons Save Brooklyn Nets’ Season?
With Irving still a part-time player because of his vaccination status and Kevin Durant rehabbing from an MCL injury, Simmons getting on the court will help stabilize the team and get things back on track.
