76ers acquire James Harden from Nets for Ben Simmons

· Feb 10 - 2 minutes read

NBA trade deadline: James Harden for Ben Simmons

The much-anticipated deal at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline took place. The Philadelphia 76ers have landed All-Star guard James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets. The 76ers sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks to Brooklyn in return, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

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.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers strips the ball from James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022

Simmons has not played all season for Philadelphia. His exit comes following his disastrous run in last season’s playoffs.

Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant were supposed to be the troika that would being a championship to Brooklyn. The trio rarely played together due to injuries, COVID-19 protocols, and other issues.

Now, the Nets try and make Simmons fit with their stars while Philly has to work Harden into a team that features Joel Embiid.

One interesting numerical angle: Harden has worn No. 13 his entire NBA career. That number, however, has been retired by the Philadelphia 76ers in honor of the late Wilt Chamberlain.

The teams will meet once in the regular season on Thursday March 10 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

How will the deal impact the odds to win an NBA championship? BetUS has the answer to that and more.