NBA Trade Grades: The James Harden-Ben Simmons deal

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 06: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 06, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, NBA Trades: 3 potential James Harden for Ben Simmons trade packages, NBA Trade Grades: The James Harden-Ben Simmons deal. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

For those who are a fan of NBA 2k22, one of the most entertaining parts of the game is often pulling off wild trades. Making the type of deals that would never happen in the real world.

Well, that exact type of deal went through on Thursday at the NBA trade deadline.

NBA Trade Grades: The James Harden-Ben Simmons deal

The Brooklyn Nets traded James Harden and Paul Millsap to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, their 2022 first-round pick (with the right to defer it to 2023), and a top-eight protected 2027 first-round pick.

This deal had been brewing for a few days prior to the deadline, with varying reports flooding the Twitter timeline. Some said it wouldn’t happen, while others insisted that it would. Here we are.

Harden joins Joel Embiid on a Sixers team looking to capitalize on an MVP season from their big man. Daryl Morey was patient with Simmons and it paid off in a big way.

On the flip side, the Nets get a solid return in exchange for a player who, based on his recent play (or lack thereof) didn’t really want to be there anymore.

According to reports, Simmons has already gotten into contact with Kevin Durant. He won’t play right away as he reconditions, but Curry and Drummond are expected to join the team soon.

This is by far one of the wildest trade-deadline deals in recent memory, and in the spirit of NBA trade grades, let’s see how it worked out for both sides. Who won this deal?

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