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'Finally over': NBA world reacts to huge Ben Simmons trade bombshell

andrew reid
·4-min read
Ben Simmons has finally got his trade wish after Philadelphia agreed a deal that sees Brooklyn star James Harden going to the Sixers. Pic: Getty
Ben Simmons has finally got his trade wish after Philadelphia agreed a deal that sees Brooklyn star James Harden going to the Sixers. Pic: Getty

One of the most drawn-out trade sagas in recent NBA history has finally come to an end, with Ben Simmons finally getting his wish to leave the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a blockbuster multi-player trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers have landed superstar guard James Harden, while the Nets also get guard Seth Curry and centre Andre Drummond.

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The Sixers will also get Paul Millsap and the Nets get draft picks, according to Associated Press sources.

Simmons hasn't played this season for the Sixers in the wake of a trade demand centred largely around hurt feelings coming off last season's playoff loss.

The Melbourne guard averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists over four seasons with Philadelphia, who drafted him out of LSU, where he played only one season.

His defining moment as a Sixer came when he passed up a wide-open dunk against Atlanta in the second round of last year's play-offs that would have tied the game late in Game 7.

Simmons was then hurt by criticism from teammate Joel Embiid and coach Doc Rivers over his role in Philly's early post-season exit.

Simmons made a surprise return to the Sixers shortly before the season opened, but was promptly kicked out of practice and suspended for one game.

The punishment didn't matter as the No.1 pick of the 2016 draft had no intention of ever playing. He later cited mental health concerns.

Before taking a mental health break, the Aussie chalked up millions of dollars in fines for missing a pre-season training camp, practice sessions and games for the Sixers.

President of Philadelphia's basketball operations Daryl Morey drew widespread criticism from fans for failing to let Simmons go earlier, with his decision to hold out for a blockbuster deal paying dividends with the Harden trade.

Unsurprisingly, social media exploded after news of the Simmons-Harden trade was confirmed.

James Harden traded for second straight season

Harden has been out with a hamstring injury while trade rumours intensified. Nets coach Coach Steve Nash even stated last week that the 'beard to be feared' would not be traded.

This is the second straight season Harden has been traded during the season.

The Nets acquired the three-time scoring champion from the Houston Rockets in a deal last January, with the idea that Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving would form a Big Three.

The Nets loaded up for a title run with three of the highest-paid players in the league but a championship run with them never materialised.

Seen here, James Harden in action for Brooklyn Nets against the Sacramento Kings in 2022.
James Harden is seen in action for Brooklyn Nets against the Sacramento Kings in February, 2022. Pic: Getty

They are 2-10 since Durant sprained his left knee, an injury that could keep him out until after the All-Star break.

With Irving ineligible to play in home games because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 as mandated by New York City, it has placed a heavy burden on Harden, who can become a free agent after the season.

The 76ers are getting an MVP-worthy year out of Embiid and team President Daryl Morey, who was in the front office with Houston when Harden played for the Rockets, made the deadline deal to ensure the Sixers have plenty for the championship push.

with AAP

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