Nets trading James Harden to 76ers for Ben Simmons

Just over a year ago, the Nets outbid the 76ers for an unhappy James Harden.

That prompted even more anguish.

In part because he resents being offered to the Rockets for Harden after being told he wouldn’t be – and several other reasons – Ben Simmons requested a trade from Philadelphia and has sat out all season. Harden, who initially chose the Nets over the 76ers, has become frustrated with Brooklyn and pushed for a trade before today’s deadline.

So, the Nets (who are in championship contention with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving) and 76ers (who are getting an MVP-caliber season from Joel Embiid and could compete themselves) will swap headaches for, they hope, fresh stars.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

The Brooklyn Nets are trading James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Nets are including Paul Millsap in the deal too, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/yTzxKqH99q

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

The Nets will get the Sixers' 2022 first-round pick unprotected with a right to defer until 2023 and a 2027 first-round pick protected 1-to-8, sources tell ESPN. The 2027 pick would roll over to 2028 protected 1-to-8 again. The pick turns into two seconds and $2M in 2029.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Shams Charania of The Athletic:

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

The most important aspect of this trade: Philadelphia, not Brooklyn, gets Harden for the 2022 playoffs. This deal could