The NBA trade deadline has finally elapsed, and the most-awaited move of the season finally burst into fruition with James Harden and Paul Millsap heading south to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Currey, Andre Drummond, an unprotected 2022 first-round pick, and a top-8 protected 2027 first-round pick.
There were plenty of eye-catching moves leading up to the deadline, with the likes of Tyrese Haliburton, Kristaps Porzingis, Domantas Sabonis and CJ McCollum getting shifted around the league. However, the Simmons-Harden move is undoubtedly the most high-profile deadline move in the past few years, bringing an end to months of speculation and posturing across both sides.
What does Harden mean for Philly?
For Philadelphia and Daryl Morey, Thursday’s deadline trade was retribution for their patience all summer, with the 76ers sticking to their high asking price for Simmons and eventually landing a former MVP and top-15 player in the NBA. Philly did have to give up the shooting of Seth Curry to make this deal happen, but to go from wasting one year of Joel Embiid’s prime to pairing him with one of the best guards in the NBA is an incredible turn of events.
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There are plenty of valid concerns surrounding James Harden – his injury struggles, declining production and massive upcoming max contract – but this deal is a win for the 76ers, considering they arguably own the best duo in the NBA. Although Harden and Embiid don’t fit perfectly stylistically, he does take away the playmaking and shooting issues the team has struggled with since Jimmy Buttler jetted off to Miami in free agency, freeing up ‘The Process’ to dominate in the post and anchor the defence. His presence also allows Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey to slot into more familiar roles as the third and fourth scorers on the team, instantly making Philadelphia one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the East.
How does Simmons fit in Brooklyn?
Simmons doesn’t have the same ceiling as Harden offensively, but he is a better fit in Brooklyn than the former Houston star, with his glaring shooting troubles papered over by a surrounding cast of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving (on the road), Seth Curry, Patty Mills and Joe Harris. Additionally, Simmons brings plenty of things to the table which Brooklyn sorely needed. His perimeter defence, playmaking and transition-play solve plenty of the issues the Nets have been struggling with this season, instantly improving their switching scheme with his length, speed and awareness.
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The Nets are one of the few teams in the NBA where Simmons can be Simmons, as opposed to him having to be the hero and primary scorer he was expected to be in Philly. Yes, Simmons will still struggle late-in games due to his fear of getting to the free-throw line, but the Australian can mainly be used as a screener offensively in a half-court setting, allowing him to stay away from the ball and let Durant and Irving do the primary heavy-lifting.
In addition, the Nets also get two first-round picks along with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond. While both players have their obvious weaknesses, they bring valuable attributes that Steve Nash’s side currently lack. Drummond is still an elite rebounder, while Curry is a top-five shooter in the NBA, an underrated playmaker and someone who has proven himself in the play-offs.
All-in-all, the Nets probably got the better deal considering the extra draft capital and contracts. However, both teams come out of it with a roster that fits better and – more importantly – wants to be there, thereby improving their chances of winning the 2021/22 NBA Championship.
Grade for Philadelphia 76ers: A-
Grade for Brooklyn Nets: A
Shivaan Shah