The Philadelphia 76ers ended the Ben Simmons saga ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, agreeing to a deal that sent him, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, the 76ers received James Harden and Paul Millsap.
It was a trade that ended a months-long standoff between Simmons and the organization as neither side was willing to budge on their demands. Simmons wanted to be traded to another team, while the Philadelphia 76ers held out hope he would ultimately return to the court for them. If not, they wanted an All-Star caliber player.
Both sides come away with what they were looking for in this deal. Simmons has talked candidly in press conferences, explaining his mental well-being is something that has been weighing on him before the 2021 postseason. He is hoping he can get back to a good place mentally that will enable him to play up to the best of his abilities.
Harden has been open in his press conferences as well. He is excited about being in Philadelphia, as this is where he wanted to be when he originally requested a trade from the Houston Rockets.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons Still ‘Weeks Away From Nets Debut?
The pairing of Harden and Joel Embiid is one of the most dominant ones in the league. But, Embiid was one person we hadn’t heard much from since the trade was completed. He spoke with Malika Andrews of ESPN and their conversation was aired today on NBA Today.
Embiid touched on multiple subjects including Simmons, James Harden, and the MVP race. He was open and honest about the situation with Simmons, which deteriorated to the point Embiid no longer cared about it.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons Still ‘Weeks Away From Nets Debut?
“I did a lot of chasing around trying to get him back and try to make him feel comfortable again. It was tough. I didn’t care anymore,” Joel Embiid said about the situation with Ben Simmons.
That whole situation is one that weighed on a lot of people. There were some things said through the media that cannot be taken back, as they got ugly at some points. However, with Ben Simmons now on another team, hopefully, everyone can move on and focus on the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons Still ‘Weeks Away From Nets Debut?
For Joel Embiid, the future could consist of an MVP award before embarking on a playoff run. Thus far this season, he is averaging 29.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, one steal, and 1.4 blocks in 32.9 minutes per game.
Those are certainly award-winning numbers, but more than anything, Joel Embiid wants to win an NBA title. Combined with James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers certainly hope that duo is enough to lead the franchise to their first championship since 1983 and first trip to the NBA Finals since 2001.
