The deal is finally over. After over half a year of waiting to see where Ben Simmons would end up after refusing to return to the 76ers, the 3x All-Star has been moved. Daryl Morey and company have officially traded a package headlined by Simmons for 10x All-Star James Harden.

The package in return for the Nets sees Philly sending over Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first round picks alongside Simmons in return for Harden.

Harden will also opt into his $47.3 million player option for the 2022/2023 season as part of the deal.

Brooklyn was reportedly pushing heavily for Matisse Thybulle to be included in the package, but the Sixers front office refused to budge. Philadelphia will also get Paul Millsap from the Nets with Harden to bolster the frontcourt and add another veteran to the lineup.

After all the hype surrounding the big three in Brooklyn, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant only ended up playing 16 games together over a season and a half. During his 44 games with the Nets this season, Harden averaged 22.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists on 41% shooting.

Harden and Morey are finally reunited after the 76ers heavily pursued the former MVP at last year’s trade deadline. The 76ers President of Basketball Operations and Harden worked together for several years in Houston, which was a key reason of the Nets’ guard request to be moved to Philadelphia, alongside 76ers’ minority owner Michael Rubin.

Philadelphia now has the elite ball-handler they’ve been looking for and the true second star next to Joel Embiid. Simmons now joins Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in their hopes to win a title, and will hopefully be returning to Philadelphia when the Nets come to town on March 10th.

76ers fans could see Harden make his debut with the team this weekend, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

Mandatory Credit: Sporting News