Harden To Philly, Simmons To Brooklyn In Blockbuster Trade

Topline

Following a months-long holdout, the Philadelphia 76ers granted guard Ben Simmons the trade he demanded, sending him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for fellow disgruntled guard James Harden, who had also reportedly wanted a change of scenery—a seismic shift in the Eastern Conference that leaves no clear championship favorite.

Key Facts

Key Background

The Nets sent promising young players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, along with three first-round draft picks and four pick-swaps to Houston in order to acquire Harden last season, essentially sacrificing their future in a sweeping attempt to win a championship with a core of Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Harden has disappointed in Brooklyn this season, posting his lowest true-shooting rate since his rookie season, though he still ranks second in the league in assists per game and was named to his tenth-straight All-Star team last week. Simmons hadn’t played a game for the 76ers this season following his August trade demand, with his now-former team fining him $360,000 for every game in which he refused to play—totaling over $19 million at the 54-game mark of the season, though unnamed sources told ESPN they are confident these fines can be settled in arbitration. The 76ers’ president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, had said he would not trade Simmons unless his team would be getting a star in return to pair with MVP candidate Joel Embiid.

What To Watch For

With less than 30 games remaining on either team’s schedule, the 76ers sit at 32-22 (5th in the Eastern Conference) while the Nets, who have lost nine straight games, sit at 29-25 (8th in the East). Durant has been out of the Nets’ lineup for three weeks with an MCL sprain, and could miss several more.

What We Don’t Know

Harden can become a free agent this offseason if he elects to opt out of the final year of his contract, and could elect to walk away from the 76ers. Simmons, meanwhile, will be under contract with the Nets for the next three seasons.