How Ben Simmons, James Harden trade affects the Cavs

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Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /

How Ben Simmons, James Harden trade affects the Cavs: The Bad

The biggest takeaways from this trade between Eastern Conference title contenders is that both teams are firmly in the title mix for this season. Whatever slim hopes the Cavs had to going from basement to the NBA Finals got just a bit slimmer on Thursday.

Philadelphia improved their chances this season the most of any team in the league at the deadline, flipping Simmons’ empty spot in the rotation and Seth Curry’s sharpshooting for James Harden, a Top-10 offensive player in the league and a current All-Star. That makes the 76ers significantly more dangerous this season, both in terms of seeding down the stretch and in their title chances.

The Brooklyn Nets diversify their stars, gaining defense and rebounding at the expense of shooting and shot creation. What they can hope is that Simmons is bought-in and ready to go rebuild his image. Seth Curry is an elite sniper and a great piece to return in this deal, and Andre Drummond is a viable backup center.

This deal also limits the downside for both teams this summer. Harden opted into his contract for next season, ensuring the 76ers will have their two stars for at least next year. The Nets also limit their downside this summer; while Kyrie Irving could still exercise his player option and hit the road, he chose to join the Nets and play with Kevin Durant while Harden did not. At worst the Nets lose one star this summer, not two. That will keep them in the mix in the East for years to come.