During the 2022 NBA season, the The Philadelphia 76ers were involved in what is arguably the biggest trade of the deadline. In a trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Sixers signed a 10-time All-Star in James Harden.
At the time, the trade was highly anticipated by Philadelphia. Some even thought the trade was a win-win for both sides, as the Nets brought in a three-time All-Star in Ben Simmons and other supporting pieces.
Looking back, Bleacher Report rates the trade a C+ for PhiladelphiaIt’s hard to disagree at this point.
“Before Harden’s latest trade to Los Angeles, it would have been easy enough to deride this from a Philadelphia perspective. He never went past the second round as a Sixer. As he was about to leave, he was publicly and aggressively calling team president Daryl Morey a liar.”
Harden has played 79 regular season games for the Sixers over a season and a half. He has appeared in 23 playoff games. Both times Harden has played for the Sixers in the playoffs, Philadelphia has failed to advance past the second round.
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The Sixers were hoping that Harden’s presence alongside Joel Embiid would propel them into championship territory. They ended up failing where they had failed before at that time. Is it Harden’s fault? Not exactly, but it’s safe to say the trade didn’t work out the best.
Fortunately, the Harden saga was short-lived. Sure, he forced his way out, but the Sixers traded him for a veteran package that was out of contract for one season. Philly avoided paying the 35-year-old point guard the big contract he wanted.
The Sixers had to get rid of Simmons’ contract in 2022, and Harden was the right choice at that time. Reclassification isn’t a plus, but it’s a good thing. BR calls it “at worst, a failure.”
