The biggest blockbuster trade of the 2021-22 NBA season was pulled off hours before the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline. The Philadelphia 76ers were finally able to land their man, as Daryl Morey acquired James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets.
To acquire him, Morey parted ways with Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round draft picks. It is the second consecutive season that Harden has been traded, as he was sent from the Houston Rockets to the Nets during the 2020-21 season in a big trade as well.
Had Harden had his way, the quick layover in Brooklyn never would have occurred. While speaking with the media, Harden revealed that Philadelphia was his first choice when he was going through everything in Houston.
“Originally, when I was going through everything I was going through in Houston, Philly was my first choice,” said Harden.”It just didn’t happen. Details, I don’t really want to get into the Brooklyn situation. I knew for a very long time this was a perfect fit.”
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The Philadelphia 76ers did try hard to acquire Harden from the Rockets. At the time, they were not willing to meet the asking price that the Rockets had set. Ultimately, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, who put together a huge deal that morphed into a four-team trade that also included the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
Morey was the general manager of the Houston Rockets when they acquired Harden from the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have a strong relationship and he was hoping to carry that over to the 76ers, it just took a little longer than he had hoped it would.
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In addition to revealing that, Harden also heaped praise on Joel Embiid, who is having an MVP-caliber season. Harden called Embiid the best big man in the NBA and believes this is the perfect opportunity for him.ro
Philadelphia now has one of the best duos in the NBA with James Harden teaming up with Joel Embiid. They are going to be a duo twosome for opponents to slow down, as the 76ers still have other players that can beat you in Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey.
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While they sacrificed some depth to get this deal done, the Philadelphia 76ers are excited to finally have an All-Star duo in place. They will be players on the buyout market, as they could use some depth at the center position and in the backcourt at the point guard spot.
