The Sixers composed half of the parties that made the biggest trade of the 2021-22 season possible. While there are many opposing opinions who won and lost the trade, the Sixers pushed their already championship contending team to a window.
The trade:
The 76ers receive James Harden and Paul Millsap.
They gave up Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and a couple of future first round picks to the Brooklyn Nets.
When a team turned a non-performing slot occupied by disgruntled star into a superstar, that trade is a big win. Refreshing the minds of everyone, it was opined earlier in the season that Simmons can only be traded with if the team is willing to take much lesser value for him.
When the team gets an equal value as in this case, its a big,big win. That’s exactly what the Sixers did.
Philadelphia being able to acquire Harden for Simmons who was sitting out due to his trade demand made this trade one of the best outcome of trading a disgruntled player in NBA history.
There should be no overthinking on this one. Simmons spot is void once he decided to sit out. Any return for him becomes an automatic addition to the team. When they got Harden, its definitely a homerun.
Sure, they’ve lost a great piece in Curry but Harden is way more than enough to serve as a replacement. They also lost a defensive presence and rim protection in the bench A surprising piece, Millsap, will somewhat make up for the size and frontcourt depth they give up.
Harden’s fit with Joel Embiid was always questioned but having a consistent scorer along with a dominant big man has always been a good winning formula.
Undoubtedly, the arrival of Harden gives the Sixers a double barreled offense. Triple barreled if Tobias Harris mainstains his 19 points per game contribution despite Harden’s arrival.
Harden, however, has to make a major adjustment. He has always been known to hold on to the ball too long and create his own shot. Now, he has to accustomed himself to shoot the three or perimeter shot off a pass from a double-teamed Embiid in the paint.
While Doc Rivers still has to solve his playoff failures when having a series lead, this dilemma is one that does not give him butterflies. Past experience shows he knows what to do in this case.
One caveat for this trade is Harden is in the back nine of his career at 32, there hare questions on his ability to maintain his body to top condition, Embiid’s availability is unpredictable due to injuries, and the team will be unable to bring in more significant help due to the expensive contract of Tobias Harris which will expire on 2024.
The Sixers championship window is about 3-4 years and is now in effect. They have to get at it right away as this season is year one of the window. The countdown has now started ticking.
By Armando M. Bolislis