NBA Trade Grades: Nets, Sixers make blockbuster Simmons-Harden swap

Brooklyn Nets trade grade: A

From a Nets’ perspective, this trade is an easy sell. But only really will work this season if Kevin Durant is healthy. When he’s healthy, the team doesn’t really need the offense that Harden brings. Instead, Simmons’ defensive prowess is what will help this team more.

And that’s what they get with this swap, and that’s what the Nets should feel good about. Assuming we’re going to see Simmons at some point this season, this trade should be viewed as a net positive for Brooklyn.

Even more so considering they were able to add some shooting in Seth Curry and frontcourt help in Andre Drummond. If Simmons is motivated and in relatively good shape, there’s no question the Nets will still be viewed as viable contenders in the East.

Once it became apparent that Harden was probably leaving during the offseason, there weren’t many alternatives to trading him. And Simmons is a great return considering the circumstances.