Home NBA Simmons dealt to the Nets in superstar swap with 76ers

Simmons dealt to the Nets in superstar swap with 76ers

February 10, 2022

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It looks like the Ben Simmons drama is finally going to come to an end. In a trade that many thought would not happen due to Daryl Morey and Philadelphia’s steep asking price for Simmons, a deal was struck between the Nets and the 76ers. Here is are the full details of the trade:

Brooklyn Nets get: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, unprotected 2022 first round pick, protected 2027 first round pick

Philadelphia 76ers get: James Harden, Paul Millsap

The Nets are including Paul Millsap in the deal too, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/yTzxKqH99q
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

It was expected that Ben Simmons would not play in the 2021-22 campaign, expressing that he no longer wanted to play for the 76ers, reported back in August 2021. Simmons infamously passed up an uncontested dunk in the waning moments of Game 7 between the 76ers and Hawks in the second round of last year’s playoffs. Now with a trade being executed, Simmons will get the opportunity to return and play this season.

Ben Simmons has already talked to Kevin Durant and Sean Marks, @KlutchSports' Rich Paul tells ESPN. Simmons is eager to join Nets and ramp up for a return to play this season, Paul says. "We've got to work to do to get him back to play, but it's a great step in right direction."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

While the 76ers gave up many assets to acquire Harden, they believe that pairing with last year’s MVP runner-up, Joel Embiid can be the driving force for a championship run. As a part of this deal, Harden will opt in to his player option for next season, valued at $47.3 million.

As part of deal, new 76ers star James Harden is opting into his $47.3 million player option on contract for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 10, 2022

As for the Brooklyn Nets, they bring in Ben Simmons, a dynamic playmaker and versatile defender. Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists through 58 games played last season. He will look to provide more spacing and defense upon his arrival in Brooklyn.

The Nets also acquired Seth Curry in the deal, who has proved he’s a great spot up shooter in this league and can provide the team with some bonafide scoring. Andre Drummond, another player headed to the Nets, provides Brooklyn with a true center that can rebound. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Drummond will play a key role for the remainder of the season.

The new starting lineups 👀

(via @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/kOngywHdcI
— ESPN (@espn) February 10, 2022

It is uncertain whether Ben Simmons will play for the Nets anytime soon. However, an important date following the trade is March 10th, when the Nets play the 76ers on the road. It will be interesting whether or not we will see Simmons square off against his former team this season.

In a trade that no one realistically saw coming, this will certainly shake up the Eastern Conference for the better. The 76ers are 2.5 games back from being 1st in the East. The Nets have lost 9 of their last 10, currently vying for a play-in spot.

This shapes up to be a great deal for the two division rivals and it’ll be interesting to see how each team fares in time for the playoffs.