Call it now--who won the Simmons/Harden trade?

To me, the union no longer makes sense. He has more value as a trade asset than as an elite player for the next 3-5 years. We've shed salary at the expense of talent. There aren't enough assets left to allow us to build around Dame. He can go elsewhere and compete for a ring. Better to trade Dame and get the ingredients to rebuild.

He can always come back as a minority owner.

 

Found Joe Cronin.
Multiple firsts from a team with Embiid and Dame would be pointless.

 

Well i can say CJ Elleby with 35 minutes can have same production with Lebron. It doesn't mean I shouldn't be questioned about something as absurd as this.
You are saying a HOFer can have same production with someone that has never even been in discussion to be an All Star.
I think there is a reason we just got a protected first round pick for CJ

 

Unless Embiid's body breaks down, as it has been, and the team doesn't live up to the expectations.

 

They can be used as future assets in trades.

Simmons and Maxey are both strong players that have youth on their side.

If we are gonna blow it up, that was probably one of the better deals they could get for Dame.

Unless you would prefer something like Jaylen Brown and picks.

 

You could’ve shipped Simmons out for multiple complimentary pieces and saved yourself a few picks and Curry.

Imagine if the Sixers got Haliburton, Hield, Holmes and Bagley & picks or something like that instead.

 

NY & Philly press, undisputed winners of this trade.

 

I want nothing to do with Simmons.
And I highly doubt simmons would stay in Portland anyway.

 

Agree, he's there most valuable asset but its pretty clear what Joe & Chauncey want to do and Dame has bought in. He could be gone in the next 38 minutes too. Dame is still an All Star all world player that loves PDX he also puts people in the stands waiting for Joe to spend more money makes since and if it doesn't work shop Dame in a year or so. Why hurry his value will maintain when he comes back healthy, Dame Lillards only come around once in 10 years or so, if that.

 

I said similar.

Not the same.

Harden is averaging


Obviously CJ isn't going to average nearly a triple double, but I think he could put up 24 ppg, 4-5 boards, and 8 assists if he's playing as the primary ball handler. He would also shoot a hell of a lot better than 41% from the field and 33% from three. Aside from the near triple double, Harden's shooting and PER are very mediocre compared to his career stats.

CJ's stats last year was 23, 5 assists and 4 boards. Stop acting like those aren't All-Star caliber numbers on way less money.

 

Agree with much of this. Your final sentence is wrong though; Durant is signed for 5 years.

 

What makes you say he has bought into a long-term vision? It's much more likely he's given the team a short rope to dramatically improve or he'll ask for a trade.

We're on the clock...

 

Wouldn't the same apply to the Nets?

I'd say the 6ers odds at a title went up more than the Nets this season.

 

Curry and Harden are both shit defenders so this actually doesn't change much. Harden might even be better in the playoffs when engaged.

 

Maybe so, but he said last week he's willing to at least give it a shot. He could also be gone in the next 27 minutes. Why is everyone in such a hurry to trade Dame now, is it the same reasoning you thought Simmons value would go in the tank if Philly doesn't move him right after playoffs.

 

Not if they are five, six, seven years out. Do you think Dame is carrying a team to a great regular season record on a huge contract at 38?

 

you're right....I thought I was looking at Durant's salaries when I was really looking at Harden's

 

Harden opting into his contract next season is a HUGE win for the 6ers. They don't have to give him that supermax this summer now. Two playoffs to see how it works with Embiid is where the most value comes from Harden.

It actually has similarities to the way Morey got Chris Paul from the Clippers. If Harden doesn't produce at prior levels Morey later probably will tell him "Hey I want to give you the supermax James, these damn 76ers owners will only let me give you a smaller reasonable contract" Harden can't get the supermax elsewhere so good chance he might even accept far less....... Hell one more thought I just thought of; will Harden now hit some over 36 rule on his contract preventing the 6ers from giving him as many years on a supermax?

I have to hand it to Morey, he played this situation about as good as could be done. Much better than all the shitty owners and franchise, even the Spurs, that traded away their star for lesser value.

 

The Bucks.

 

Every other EC contender.

If anybody won it was the Nets. They traded one malcontent for another, but they at least got some value for their trouble.