After almost two seasons, the Nets Big Three disbanded dramatically! In the final minute of the trade deadline, the Nets sent James Harden and Paul Millsap from the 76ers back to Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, 2022 and a 2027 first-round pick protected by a top eight pick.
For this deal, the Nets will still look very satisfied. Durant's assessment of this was that "everyone got what they wanted." He even liked the news of Harden's deal. And Owen sent a blessing to Harden, saying: "I want Harden to have a good time in Philadelphia." And Griffin was more direct — I think we've gotten better. Drummond is a low-post beast, Cescuri can give us more energy, and as for Simmons, he is the most talented player. The Nets' environment will allow Simmons to succeed.
As for Embiid? He just posted a photo on his social media. According to speculation from all sides, the Emperor must be celebrating Simmons's departure. As for who to exchange, it may not matter anymore.
Since it is a transaction, it is natural to make and lose. At least from this deal, the Nets are the more profitable side. There have been many big bets in the history of the NBA, but few teams have had a good ending. Not to mention that the 76ers are not betting on anyone else, but James Harden, who is known for his "unstable" state in the playoffs. You know, he's 32 years old! Not everyone is able to stay in shape for as long as Paul and LeBron did.
What is the price Philadelphia paid to get Harden? A 25-year-old All-Star, a qualified starter with excellent three-point shooting ability, a seven-footer who can act as an important rotation for the team, and two first-round picks. Don't look at the 27-year-old one with the first round of protection, for the 76ers, the first eight picks are protected, that's not the same as nothing. And! The Nets also reduced the luxury tax through the deal! Kill three birds with one stone!
Logically, the Nets are the more eager to get out, and the 76ers would have had a great chance to sit on the ground. However, for a 32-year-old veteran whose status has plummeted, he has pulled out so many chips, saying that he is already praising them at a loss. And if you know Harden, you should understand that he doesn't match a well-rounded center like Embiid. Embiid's occupancy rate this season is the first in the league, what is Harden who has no ball in his hand, you go and ask the Nets fans.
But you're going to say the Nets are making a lot of money? That's not all. Simmons, as a big defender of 2 meters 11, can bring more changes to the team's tactical system, which is indeed true. But his poor projection ability is also a huge hidden danger. Seth Curry is a colander on the defensive end, and Drummond is the kind of big man who doesn't fit the times. If the Nets lineup does not go well, the record is estimated to be not much better.
Anyway, no matter how he complained, Harden finally put on the No. 1 shirt in Philadelphia. Regardless of how happy Durant and Irving are, the Nets still have to face the dilemma of losing ten consecutive games. So finally let me score trades for two teams, the Nets can give a B+ and the 76ers only get a C-. The 76ers chose to gamble on the present, and the Nets not only have the present, they also have a certain bottom line in the future. As for the end of these two teams? I hope that they will see each other again.