The afternoon of Thursday, February 10, North American local time, is the closing date for the 21-22 NBA trade, and teams are working intensely. After two consecutive days of small transactions, we finally waited for a heavy transaction on the day of the trading deadline. After a full week of intense negotiations, the Nets and the 76ers finally agreed on a swap deal between Harden and Ben Simmons. According to a joint report by Yahoo Sports and ESPN, the Philadelphia 76ers sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andrew Drummond and two first-round picks to get the Nets' James Harden and Paul Millsap. The deal will most likely be the most important deal of the season, and when it is concluded, it will also make both teams a strong contender for this season's championship. It is reported that both teams have follow-up operations after reaching the transaction, and Xiaobian will also give you a detailed interpretation in this article.
It's no secret that James Harden has been frustrated with the Nets' condition this season. Since the beginning of the season, Irving has only been able to play away games for personal reasons, the team's role player ability has dropped significantly, coupled with the recent kevin Durant serious injury, Harden has no confidence in Brooklyn's future. According to media statistics, the Nets' big three have only played 16 games together in the two years since they formed, and have won only one round of the series in total. Although Harden was reluctant to ask to leave the team in the deal negotiations, his wish to go to Philadelphia was satisfied. Embiid has played the peak of his career this season and is currently in the top two of the MVP rankings. The center who is the best at blocking and dismantling in the league is combined with the guard who is the best at blocking and dismantling in the league, and the 76ers' offensive firepower will be the top in the league. According to a follow-up report by Yahoo Sports Reporter, the Philadelphia 76ers have become the most popular team for players in the buyout market. They are expected to follow by finding pitchers to fill the gap created by Curry Jr.'s departure and maximize Harden and Embiid's ability to maneuver.
In fact, the Nets also made a good deal, minimizing losses as much as possible with Harden hoping to leave the team. Although Simmons has not played for half a season, the young star is in very good shape according to scouts who have watched Simmons' recent training. Despite losing Harden, the Nets didn't have to worry about space on the court with Irving, Durant, Joe Harris and the just-acquired Curry Jr. In addition to the players brought by the trade itself, the two first-round picks sent by the 76ers will also be the key to the Nets' further reinforcement. According to ESPN reporters, the Nets have been trying to swap Joe Harris with two first-round picks to get back other star players, and Jeramie Grant is a name mentioned. If the Nets can make up the lineup of Irving, Curry Jr., Durant, Grant and Ben Simmons, then their strength is not to be underestimated.
It is worth mentioning that the Philadelphia 76ers' No. 13 jersey belongs to the team's famous legendary center Neville Chamberlain, who will wear a number other than no. 13 for the first time in his career after joining. After the 76ers got Harden, the Nets got Simmons, and the Bucks made up for Ibaka, the pattern of the league's east strength and west weakness has become clearer. Compared to the Western Warriors and the Suns, the competition between several strong teams in the East will be more intense. The editor believes that the 76ers are about to usher in the best chance to win the championship in decades. As long as Harden and Embiid remain healthy and in form, the 76ers' roster potential is enormous. Harden, Maxi, Danny Green, Tobias Harris and Embiid's starting lineup combines shooting ability and defensive ability, plus Sebel and Milton on the bench, and the overall strength is very terrible. Do fans and friends think the 76ers have a chance to win this season's championship? Welcome to discuss and communicate in the comments section!