Before the NBA transfer deadline, it seems that there has been no big deal of this level for a long time: the Nets' Big Three, who have only played less than 20 games together, have disintegrated: Harden has gone to Philadelphia to form the "Hardy" combination with "The Great"; as compensation, the Nets have received Simmons, who has publicly fallen out with the 76ers, to form the new Big Three of Simmons, Durant and Irving. Compared to this big deal that could change the fate of both teams, Porzingis's heavy exchange with Dinwiddie is insignificant.
Two "unhappy" swaps
Of course, Harden, as a top superstar, also won Curry Jr. and "Johnson God" Drummond and several draft picks for the Nets. The specific details are as follows:
The Nets traded Harden and Millsap to the 76ers, swapping them back for Simmons, Seth Curry and Drummond, as well as two first-round picks — an unprotected first-round pick in 2022 (the Nets have the right to change this first-round pick to 2023), and a protected first-round pick in 2027 (a 1-8 pick that was protected for two consecutive years, which translates to two second-round picks and $2 million in cash if still protected in 2029).
As part of the deal, Harden must execute the $47.3 million player option for next season. Harden could reach a four-year contract extension with the 76ers in August with a total value of $223 million.
As we all know, Simmons broke with the 76ers management after being eliminated by the Hawks last season and has so far refused to play any game for the team. And Harden is also close to breaking with the Nets — the only difference with Simmons is that Harden did not publicly apply for a trade because of his image concerns, after all, it was more than a year since he publicly requested a transfer from his former owner, the Rockets.
Trees move the dead and the dead live
First of all, this transaction is inevitable. For the 76ers, Simmons's refusal to play is equivalent to not having this person, even in exchange for an ordinary rotation is an enhancement to the team, let alone a star of Harden's level. For the Nets, Harden may be a free agent right away at the end of the season, and it's already frozen, and it doesn't make much sense to keep it — and more importantly, Harden's form is not as good as before.
It is also obvious that there is still a difference in the inevitability of the trade for the two teams, Simmons belongs to the tear sale, it is bound to add some head, coupled with the difference in the level of the two, which has the addition of the two tiger generals Zhuang Shen and Curry - the original Nets still want Temple, and the result is that the 76ers "died" back.
In practical terms, the Nets seem to be more profitable. Although the old big three have only joined forces for less than 20 games, the problem is obvious, that is, there is no one to defend. Whether it's outside or inside, defense is a colander. The addition of the 76ers three has made up for almost everything: Johnson has the possibility of improving defense on the inside; Curry Jr. averaged 15 points and 4 assists per game, and his three-point shooting rate reached 40%, which can make up for the lack of firepower in Harden's departure; and Simmons is the top level in the league in defense and organization. So in any case, the major bookmakers still think that the Nets are still one of the favorites to win this season.
What about 76 people? If nothing else, just to revitalize Simmons, an asset that is almost dead, the deal is not in vain - in fact, no matter how the 76ers trade, they will definitely earn, just make more and earn less. Now that I can change to Harden, it should be said that I am close to maximizing the benefits.
Of course, there are risks. Harden has not been as good as before in the past two years, and everyone is speculating whether it is just a temporary poor physical condition, or whether it has indeed declined. If Harden is still injured like he was at the Nets, the 76ers may not be able to bear it. What's more, Harden's high-usage, all-encompassing style of play has the problem of coexistence with Embiid — it can even be said that this problem involves the overall tactical system of the 76ers, and almost all of them have the possibility of data decline.
It's just that all transactions are a gamble, and no one dares to pack tickets. Investing in a gamble when you have the conditions is originally one of the basic principles of strong team trading. As for whether it works or not, we have to see you on the field.
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