A product of the James Harden/Ben Simmons trade became a reality today.

The Brooklyn Nets had the option of deferring the 2022 pick until 2023, which they ended up doing right by the 5 PM EDT June 1st deadline today.

The Sixers parted ways with two different first-round picks to acquire Harden at the trade deadline. One of those being an unprotected 2022 pick as well as a protected 2027 pick. That 2027 pick could turn into two seconds if it’s not conveyed by 2029.

You’re probably wondering why Brooklyn deferred this year’s pick. The first reason being it gives them time to move that future pick in a deal. Not only that, but a draft pick tends to be more valuable than a random player chosen. This gives them the ability to strengthen the roster to contend further after several disappointing playoff runs.

On top of that, Brooklyn is banking on the Sixers to be worse next year than they were this season. There are so many unknown factors right now it’s hard to say if that patience will pay off for the Nets.

The benefit for Philadelphia, in this case, is they now have an extra trade piece if they so desire. Or, they can add a young player on a rookie contract. However, if they decide to trade the pick, they must wait until after the draft to avoid violating the Stepien Rule. There’s a way around that rule but it requires the Sixers essentially drafting a player for another team.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports