Field Level Media - Professional sports content solutions | FLM

The Philadelphia 76ers acquired James Harden from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for fellow guards Ben Simmons and Seth Curry, center Andre Drummond and two first-round picks on Thursday.

The 76ers also acquired forward Paul Millsap in the deal.



The Nets were expected to compete for the NBA title behind Harden and fellow stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Durant is injured, Irving is a part-time player because of his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the Nets have dropped nine straight games to fall to eighth place and the play-in position in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement, “The decision to trade James was a difficult one; however, after recent discussions with him and his representatives, we felt that this move would be best for all involved, as it better positions us to achieve our goals this season and in the years ahead. We appreciate everything that James has done for our organization both on and off the court.”

Sixers managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement, “James Harden is one of the truly elite players in the league. “His career has been defined by incredible personal achievement, including honors as NBA MVP and three-time NBA scoring champion. We’re thrilled to pair him with Joel Embiid and this dynamic roster in our pursuit of an NBA title. I am proud to welcome James and Paul Millsap — a proven veteran and former All Star — to the 76ers, and can’t wait for what the future holds for the city and our fans.”

Harden’s Ties to 76ers GM

Harden, 32, has a hamstring strain and hasn’t played since a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 2.

On the season, Harden has played in 44 games, averaging 22.5 points and a Nets-leading 10.2 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game.

The three-time NBA scoring champion will be reunited with 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. The two were linked during their time with the Houston Rockets.

Simmons has not played this season and had asked to be traded. The Simmons camp reportedly cited mental health issues and an inability to mesh on the court with Embiid as reasons for wanting to leave.

Simmons, 25, is a three-time All-Star over his four NBA seasons, scoring 15.9 points with 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 275 career games, all starts with the 76ers. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Sixers out of LSU in 2016.



Curry, 31, is averaging career-best totals in points (15.0), rebounds (3.4) and assists (4.0) in 45 games this season.

Drummond, 28, is contributing 6.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in 49 games (12 starts) in 2021-22.

Millsap, 36, is chipping in 3.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 24 games off the bench.

The Nets also waived forward DeAndre’ Bembry, who was averaging 5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds through 48 games (20 starts).

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)