Nets deal former MVP James Harden to 76ers for disgruntled Philadelphia star Ben Simmons + more

[pwaldo]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...n-Simmons.html

James Harden wanted out of Brooklyn, Ben Simmons demanded to be traded by Philadelphia, and now both have apparently gotten their wish.

Just one year after acquiring Harden, a former NBA MVP, the struggling Nets are dealing the disgruntled star to the 76ers for Simmons, who hasn't played since making his trade demand before the season. Simmons, the Australian-born LSU product, still has another three years and $113.6 million remaining on his contract with the Nets.

'Ben Simmons is thrilled,' reported ESPN's Romana Shelburne.

The deal, first reported by ESPN, will see Harden and veteran forward Paul Millsap going to the Sixers in exchange for Simmons, center Andre Drummond, guard Seth Curry, and two future first-round picks.

The ESPN report came approximately 90 minutes before the NBA's trade deadline at 3pm ET.

Although Nets head coach Steve Nash denied earlier reports that Harden could be traded, the star guard has become increasingly irritated in Brooklyn. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier Thursday that, although Harden did not formally request a trade to Philadelphia, he was hoping that a deal could be made.

According to The Athletic, Harden has reportedly opted into the final year and $47 million on his contract, which means he will not become a free agent after this season. He played only 88 games over parts of two seasons with Brooklyn, but still managed to get paid $63.5 million by the Nets over that time, according to Spotrac.

[WilyWestbrook0]

Two headcase stars dealt for one another.

Harden, I've been annoyed by for years; he's my least favorite player in the NBA (not an uncommon sentiment among fans, I've observed elsewhere). As for Simmons, I honestly never expected him to regress/pout the way he has. I remember seeing him in college and being excited by his potential. Same with his early days in Philly. But it's hard to like him now after all he's pulled in the last year. Oh well. I don't root for these teams anyway; in the East, go Cavs!

[bakemeister52]

I agree about Harden and Simmons but to me Westbrook is my least favorite player! Why do we have to put up with cry babies!

Bake