The NBA Blockbuster Trade Between the Nets and The Sixers: Harden for Simmons
The NBA trade deadline is always an entertaining time of the year. Our eyes have been glued onto screens this week in anticipation of the Nets completing a blockbuster trade.
One door closed and another one opened for James Harden , finalizing an unwavering effort to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the 8 pm deadline– just 90 minutes prior to its closing. Brooklyn's "Big 3 Experiment" fell flat on its face, when Harden reunited with 76ers president of basketball operation Daryl Morey who previously traded for him in Houston.
The Brooklyn Way – Odds Favor Nets For NBA Title
The deadline theatrics were inevitable considering the swap for Ben Simmons, concluding 5 days after coach Steve Nash drew attention to his lack of support for the 10-Time All-Star's exit, while Philly endured the dormancy of their point-guard since last season's playoff humiliation. The trade also came with the inclusion of Paul Millsap in the exchange of Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and 2 unprotected first-round draft picks for seasons 2022 and 2027.
Essentially, the Nets acquired 3 starters for Harden's, broadening the effects of the deal. All said and done, as the "beasts of the east" trade saga eventually pans out, it's going to be exciting to watch how both teams fair, considering that the overall consensus still tips the Nets as the championship favorites.
BetMGM sportsbook currently has them as the odds on favorite to win it all, sitting at +450. The Sixers saw an impressive leap up the standings, and are now at +700. Click HERE to read more about BetMGM sportsbook and sign up today!!
The New Normal – Harden To Prove a Point
The Nets got a great deal out of this. It makes for a good rivalry, especially in the playoffs.
Apart from that, the shocking realization is that James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant played only 16 times together. Therefore, Harden's commitment was questioned by most critics, basing their level of concern on how the Sixers will be comfortable forging a long-term union with him knowing that if it goes south he wants out. From a different lens, Joel Embiid's pursuit and hopes for the title look healthier moving forward.
The winner of this trade are NBA fans–but a March 10th clash between the Sixers and the Nets should give us our first glimpse at who really won that trade.
