With approximately 1½ hours remaining until Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers completed a blockbuster deal. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Thursday morning that James Harden wanted out of Brooklyn, but hadn't made a formal request because of concerns over public backlash that would come with asking out of a second franchise in consecutive seasons.
The Nets struck a deal with the 76ers hours later, trading Harden and Paul Millsap for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, an unprotected 2022 first-round pick and a protected 2027 first-round pick, sources told Wojnarowski.
Simmons, who had asked for a trade out of Philadelphia, has not played all season, citing his mental health. Harden has not played since a Feb. 2 loss to the Sacramento Kings due to left hamstring tightness.
Simmons' new teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have stayed quiet so far. Durant has been sidelined with an MCL sprain in his left knee since Jan. 15, while Irving is only able to play road games due to his vaccination status.
Sixers star Joel Embiid, who said Tuesday that his team was focused on winning a title with or without Simmons, took to social media to react to the trade.
— Joel "Troel" Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) February 10, 2022
Although Embiid didn't offer any words, Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell shared his thoughts with an emoji.
Bruh😂 https://t.co/8seZvQa7MF
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 10, 2022
Many other players around the league were similarly at a loss for words, while former coach George Karl had his sights set on the upcoming meeting between the two teams.
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) February 10, 2022
3/10 😎 pic.twitter.com/8NCGAqtBj9
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 10, 2022
Philly Back! I'm happy for my city
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) February 10, 2022
Sheeesh
— Anfernee Simons (@AnferneeSimons) February 10, 2022
Wow!
— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) February 10, 2022
March 10th.
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) February 10, 2022
Philly is going to be waiting for the return of Simmons!!
Helluva game if KD is back then. pic.twitter.com/O4wx4QWCwB
