James Harden for Ben Simmons Happens

What a treat the NBA is giving us as the deadline for all trades is at midnight tonight. The biggest one has just happened, with a blockbuster deal between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. With the Nets looking to have a playoff berth alive by acquiring Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks. Then, the 76ers are acquiring James Harden and Paul Millsap as they look to give Embiid a partner to have a finals berth.

Ben Simmons so far has no intentions of playing a game for the 76ers again and he easily would have left the team whenever he has the chance in free agency. So the 76ers only lost Curry and Drummond and gained a triple-double machine in James Harden and a veteran mentor in Paul Millsap. Right now the 76ers are the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference sitting at a 32-22 record. With the addition of James Harden the sky is the limit for Philly as the duo of Harden and Embiid can lead them far into the playoffs. The only problem that may arise with this team is, James Harden's ball-dominant style of play. With his past teammates including Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, there were many problems that arose between the duo which then led to their split up. But if this duo works out, the process will be complete with a ring around their fingers.

Then if we look at the Brooklyn Net's side of the deal. They are getting a great defender in Ben Simmons, a great shooter in Seth Curry, and a great rebounding veteran in University of Connecticut alumni Andre Drummond. Hopefully, Ben Simmons is excited to play for the Nets and he can have a fresh start to his second team. This deal allows more scoring opportunities for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant and gifts them with a defender who can seal the deal in important games the season brings. With the Net's on a tough break, they needed to test a change to see if they can live up to the hype given to them prior to the season opener.

Another big trade that just happened today was a Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards swap. In this trade former all-star big man, Kristaps Porzingis and a future second-round draft pick have been sent to the capital city for the exchange of Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. The Wizards had a steal here receiving Kristaps. Porzingis right now is averaging 19.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season. Also, the Wizards now have a dependable scorer to pair with Bradley Beal as the Wizards can possibly make a playoff run.

Will we see any more trades happening around the league tonight? We will know later, as the final deadline for all trades is at midnight tonight.

Gabe Barile

Gabriel Takes