Sixers Don’t Land Harden as Former MVP Heads to Nets

The blockbuster deal the entire NBA has been waiting for is happening. Unfortunately for Sixers fans, their team will not be a part of it.

Former NBA MVP James Harden is headed to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade, according to multiple reports. The Rockets will acquire a bevy of picks and former All-Star Victor Oladipo from the Pacers among other assets.

The trade breaks down like this, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic:

Nets receive: James Harden

Rockets receive: Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, Rodions Kurucs, four first-round picks (one is the Bucks' via the Cavs), four first-round picks swaps with Brooklyn

Pacers receive: Caris LeVert, second-round pick

Cavaliers receive: Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince

Harden, who reportedly asked for a trade before the season started, had a telling media availability Tuesday night in which he bluntly said that the Rockets weren’t good enough. Given the nature of that presser, Houston amped up its efforts to move Harden Wednesday.

It appeared the Sixers were active in trade talks, according to The New York Times' Marc Stein. Houston was interested in a package featuring Ben Simmons, Matisse Thybulle and rookie standout Tyrese Maxey among other assets.

In Harden, the Sixers would've gotten one of the most dominant offensive players in NBA history. Instead the 31-year-old, three-time scoring champ will join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn. Including this season, Harden has three years left on his deal, with the third being a player option.

This doesn't mean that Daryl Morey can't still pull off a blockbuster deal. The trade deadline is March 25 and other attractive names could become available. Morey is not the type to sit still.