JAMES Harden and Ben Simmons got their wish for a change of scenery granted after being swapped by the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers for each other.
The Nets gave the want-away Harden what he wants by sending him and Paul Millsap to the 76ers at the close of the 2021-2022 NBA Season trade deadline on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines).
In return, Brooklyn received Simmons, three-point gunner Seth Curry, veteran center Andre Drummond and two future first round draft picks from the 76ers.
Harden has recently informed the Nets organization on his desire the leave the team due to his frustration on the injury of fellow superstar Kevin Durant and to the part-time player status of Kyrie Irving.
Simmons, for his part, has requested the 76ers for a trade since the offseason and has not suited up a single game for the Philadelphia in the 2021-2022 NBA Season.
“I am happy that there’s no more stuff hanging on everyone,” said Nets head coach Steve Nash. “I just called him and wished him success on his new team.”
“We are happy with Ben because he is an incredible defender, a creative passer, great in transition, and someone that can be used as a roller on offense,” he added.
The shakeup in Brooklyn’s roster was timely as the team has suffered its 10th consecutive defeat, including a close 113-112 loss to Washington Wizards on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines).
“I’m excited for our team. Looking forward to finishing the season out with this new group. I think everybody got what they wanted,” said Durant, who has been out for Brooklyn due to a knee injury.
“I think we got better with our acquisitions,” added Nets forward Blake Griffin. “I think we definitely got guys that wanna be here and guys that wanna play here in Brooklyn.”/PN
