Ben Simmons, Aussie NBA Star Traded to Nets in an Epic Harden Deal
Ben Simmons is finally leaving Philadelphia courtesy of a blockbuster trade
One of the most popular soap-opera-like sagas of professional sports has finally ended. Australian NBA star Ben Simmons has decided to part with the Philadelphia 76ers. The team had drafted him as number one in 2016. The shift happened due to an epic trade that sees former MVP James Harden reunite with his mentor.
Adrian Wojnarowski shared the announcement, a renowned sports reporter known for leaking reliable news and sharing blockbuster reveals. He is often referred to as ‘Woj-bombs.’ The news of the deal came on Friday morning, slightly ahead of the 2022 trade deal. As a part of the deal, Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks will soon be on their way to Brooklyn. In exchange for these players, Harden and former All-Star Paul Milsap will join the 76ers.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported this “The Nets will get the Sixers’ 2020 first-round pick unprotected with a right to defer until 2023 and a 2027 first-round pick protected 1-to-8. The 2027 pick would roll over to 2028 protected 1-to-8 again. The pick turns into two seconds and $2M in 2029.”
Ben Simmons and the 76ers
The new deal is also good news for Simmons as it puts an end to a long-running feud between him, the 76ers, and probably the entire Philadelphia city. He never had good terms with the 76ers as he was forced to sit out on his first year due to an injury. When he played, his talent was visible, and he also got Rookie of the Year Honours. Soon, he became the subject of criticism primarily due to his less than adventurous shooting approach beyond the arc.
2021 was possibly the worst year for Ben Simmons and his image because he became a target of cruel reporting after a lacklustre performance. He didn’t play his way back to the 76ers fans. Instead, he chose to sit out the season and demanded a trade resolution. It was a bold move that divided fans of the game, and even Simmons fans were astonished. Even last week, it was reported that Simmons was asked to pay a fine of USD$19 million for ‘failing to render services.
Fans hope that this trade will make things easier for Ben Simmons and help him become a star player who can do so well when he is on the court.
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