James Harden heading to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, others / News - Basketnews.com

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James Harden's recent trade request has come to fruition. According to reports from Chams Charania of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers are finalizing a trade that will send Harden to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, center Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks.

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Although Nets head coach Steve Nash earlier denied reports that Harden could be traded, the star guard has become increasingly disgruntled in Brooklyn. Harden will be a free agent after the 2021-22 season.

The Nets were expected to compete for the NBA title behind Harden and fellow starsKevin DurantandKyrie Irving. But Durant is injured and Irving is a part-time player because of his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the Nets have dropped nine straight games to fall to eighth place and the play-in position in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Harden has played in 44 games this season, averaging 22.5 points, a team-leading 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game.

Simmons has not played this season and has asked to be traded. The Simmons camp reportedly cited mental health issues and an inability to mesh on the court with teammate Joel Embiid as reasons for wanting to leave.

The 25-year-old Simmons is a three-time All-Star over his four NBA seasons, scoring 15.9 points with 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 275 career games. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Sixers out of LSU in 2016.

31-year-old Seth Curry has been averaging 15.0 points (40% 3PT), 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 34 minutes this season.

Andre Drummond has been putting up 6.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks as a backup center for Joel Embiid this year.

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