Daryl Morey finally got his man. Again.
Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, acquired former NBA MVP James Harden, along with veteran power forward Paul Millsap, from the Nets in exchange for the embattled Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks at Thursday afternoon’s trade deadline, according to reports.
As the Rockets general manager, Morey traded for Harden in October 2012. Harden went from sixth man with the Thunder to a three-time scoring champion and perennial all-star selection in Houston, as well as league MVP in 2017-18.
Morey has been seeking another star to play alongside MVP frontrunner Joel Embiid for months. Not known for his defense, the 6-foot-5 Harden becomes the best offensive sidekick in Embiid’s six seasons as an NBA player. Embiid, who leads the league with a 29.4-point average, and Harden (22.5) become the No. 2 scoring duo in the NBA, just behind the Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan (27.4 points) and Zach LaVine (24.9).
By trading for him, the Sixers are capable of signing Harden to a five-year, $270 million maximum contract extension. Harden has apparently picked up his $47.4 million player option for next season, to which a four-year extension should be added.
The Sixers could’ve waited until the summer for Harden in a sign-and-trade deal or even signed him as an unrestricted free agent then, though it would have required trading Simmons for draft picks and either doing the same with Tobias Harris or waiving Harris and using the stretch provision to minimize the cap hit next season, creating space for Harden. In that scenario, the most Harden could have made was $200 million over four years.
The 32-year-old Harden, who has missed Brooklyn’s last four games due to hamstring tightness, is averaging 10.2 assists and 8 rebounds, in addition to 22.5 points, in 44 outings this season. Harden’s scoring, field goal percentage (.414) and 3-point percentage (.332) are his lowest joining Houston in 2012. A 13-year pro, Harden is averaging 25 points and shooting .363 on 3-pointers during his career.
Sixers’ trade possibilities:Sixers’ NBA trade deadline speculation: Looking at their numerous options for a deal
For subscribers:Winning at home is the key to Sixers’ hopes to finish at or near top in East
The move is an indication the Sixers are making a push to win the wide-open Eastern Conference this season and in the ensuing years. They went into Thursday fifth in the East with a 32-22 record, but only 2½ games out of first place.
The first-rounders going to Brooklyn are a 2022 unprotected selection and a 2027 protected pick.
Philadelphia could use a backup big man to replace Drummond. Rookie Charles Bassey and second-year big man Paul Reed are the only others on the roster capable of handling that spot, though the 6-foot-7 Millsap can also play some center. Millsap’s $2.64 million contract expires at season’s end.
Second-year pro Tyrese Maxey, who has excelled as the starting point guard, could move off the ball to shooting guard, which had been Curry’s spot, and run point on the second unit. The Nets were interested in everyone from Maxey to defensive ace Matisse Thybulle, Curry and Drummond, according to various reports. Brooklyn insisted on Thybulle being included while Morey refused, according to the Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Given all of the names that had been mentioned, Sixers coach Doc Rivers canceled Thursday’s practice, calling it the “human thing to do.” The Sixers host the Thunder on Friday night and Cavaliers on Saturday. It’s unclear when Harden will be ready to play.
Curry spread the floor with his perimeter shooting in the halfcourt offense and worked well with Embiid. He’s averaging 15 points and hitting .400 of his 3s this season.
The Sixers are likely to try to bolster their bench in the upcoming buyout market in which players tend to be willing to sign for the veterans’ minimum after agreeing to a buyout of the final year of a contract in the wake of no lesser deals for additional help at the deadline. Championship contenders are typically a sought-after destination.
For subscribers:Are these Sixers an NBA championship-caliber team? Here’s what Doc Rivers tells us
For subscribers:Here are the Sixers’ best NBA trade-deadline deals with the Feb. 10 date approaching
Embiid, who turns 28, is in his prime, which should match up nicely with Harden’s ability to remain a significant offensive factor for a franchise that hasn’t won a title since 1982-83.
Simmons, who asked to be traded in the wake of criticism following the Sixers’ disappointing playoff loss to the Hawks, joins former MVP Kevin Durant and proven scorer Kyrie Irving with the Nets. Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, is a three-time all-star and NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up in 2020-21.
It’ll be interesting to see how long it’ll take Simmons to play in games after sitting out the entire season. The Nets visit the Sixers on March 10, which could be a very interesting evening.
Tom Moore: tmoore@couriertimes; @TomMoorePhilly
