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2022 NBA Trade Deadline: All the news and updates as the deadline closes

IT HAS HAPPENED. Ben Simmons is on the way to Brooklyn in a mega swap with James Harden. FULL TRADE DETAILS AND REACTION HERE.

Matt LogueMatt Logue
@mattlogue7
16 min read
February 11, 2022 - 10:54AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
NBA trade deadline day: Will Simmons find a new home?
NBA trade deadline day: Will Simmons find a new home?

IT happened.

Ben Simmons has been traded in the dramatic final hours before the NBA trade deadline slams shut.

All the action as it happens is right here - so follow all the drama in our live blog below.

NBA Trade Deadline: Friday 11th February, 7am (AEDT)

Ben Simmons James Harden trade
Ben Simmons James Harden trade

BEN IS TRADED: NETS AND 76ers COMPLETE MEGA TRADE

The Ben Simmons trade standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers — the ugliest in NBA history — is finally over.

After almost seven months of Simmons sitting on the sidelines, the disgruntled guard is Brooklyn Nets bound, where he will join fellow Aussie Patty Mills.

Simmons’ trade to Brooklyn will also stop the bleeding in regards to fines from Philadelphia for sitting on the sidelines. Since June last year, the Aussie has surpassed $A26.5 million in fines this season (57 per cent of his salary).

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news on Friday morning, revealing that Simmons is on his way to Brooklyn along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two-first round picks.

Brooklyn, meanwhile, is including Paul Millsap in the deal along with superstar James Harden.

Simmons has the ability to be a brilliant fit in Brooklyn, although question marks remain given he hasn’t played in the NBA since last June.

Still, at his best he is one of the league’s best defenders and his running game and driving to the rim is elite.

It’s why Simmons wanted to be traded to a team with strong shooters like the Nets, which would allow his strong passing game to excel.

The Melbourne-born guard is gifted when it comes to making others better, so Brooklyn is the perfect fit.

At the Nets, Simmons will have superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at his disposal, which will give him a shot at an NBA championship.

Simmons will join Irving and Durant in Brooklyn. Picture: Getty Images
Simmons will join Irving and Durant in Brooklyn. Picture: Getty Images

It remains to be seen when the Aussie suits up for Brooklyn given his long layoff.

He has already talked to Nets GM Sean Marks, according to the Aussie star’s agent Rich Paul.Simmons is eager to join Nets and ramp up for a return to play this season, Paul says. “We’ve got to work to do to get him back to play, but it’s a great step in the right direction.”

Simmons’ move to the Nets means his former franchise has secured Harden in the blockbuster trade.

The former Houston Rockets star has been frustrated in Brooklyn for some time, particularly with teammate Kyrie Irving’s vaccination stance, meaning he can’t play home games.

Harden will be much happier in Philadelphia, where he is a sensational fit alongside big man Joel Embiid.

Embiid has been carrying the 76ers on his back to become an MVP candidate, and favourite in some people’s eyes.

Harden will help take pressure off Embiid as Philadelphia’s sole superstar.

NBA championship winner Kendrick Perkins boldly declared the Harden-Embiid duo will “destroy the NBA”

Simmons is set to receive a frosty/hostile reception from the Philadelphia fans on March 10 when the 76ers host his Brooklyn Nets.

7am DEADLINE CLOSES

The deadline has officially closed.

The New York Knicks failed to move their veterans on as desired - though any moves at the trade deadline would have been a rushed decision. The Knicks will look to make moves in the off-season as the contracts they have become easier to move. The real question for them going forward is the minutes - so starting today we will find out what they do in what looks like a failed season.

The Lakers also failed to make any moves at the deadline, refusing the give away their draft assests. LeBron James will have no time for rebuilding seasons so expect the Lakers to access the buy-out market at the look to revamp their team to launch an assualt on the playoffs.

6.59am SCHRODER SENT PACKING TO HOUSTON

We were starting to wonder if this deal was ever going to happen but at the eve of the trade deadline the Celtics have dealt Dennis Schroder to the Houston Rockets.

After aquiring Derrick White in a trade earlier today the Celtics needed to move either Schroder or Marcus Smart - and it turned out to be the German, as expected.

In return they will bring back Daniel Theis who made a huge impact for the C’s last season - though is currently out with injury.

Houston will also recieve Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando as a part of the deal.

6.47am DALLAS TRADE PORZINGIS

The Wizards and the Mavricks are finalising a deal to send Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to Washington in exhange for Spencer Dinwidde and Davis Bertans.

Both players have had their share of disgruntled fans.

Reports emerged earlier this month that the players and orgnisation simply didn’t wan’t Dinwidde around anymore and it seems they have gotten their wish.

While on the other hand Mavs fans have been frustrated with the inconsistant play of Kristaps Porzingis after giving up a haul to aquire him in a blockbuster trade with the Knicks in 2019.

On a fun note - Porzingis will now return to the Eastern Confernce were he will now face the savage fans of New York multiple times per season.

6.28am HORNETS, WIZARDS AND SUNS DEAL

The Wizards have achieved their goal of clearing up their center logjam by dealing Montrezl Harrell to the Charlotte Hornets.

With the return of Thomas Bryant, Harrell and Gafford were forced into reduced roles forcing a change in Washington.

In return they will recieve Vernon Carey and journeyman Ish Smith who will return for his second stint at the Wizards.

The Wizards didn’t end their deadline trading their - also sending Aaron Holiday to the Phoenix Suns.

6.16am HOW THE NBA WORLD REACTED TO THE SIMMONS HARDEN DEAL

6.06am PACERS TRADE EX-NBL STAR CRAIG TO SUNS

The Indiana Pacers are finalising a deal to send Torrey Craig back to the Phoenix for Jalen Smith and a future second-round pick.

Torrey Craig famously couldn’t lose last season after playing for both the Phoenix Suns and the Milwuakee bucks granting him a championship ring no matter who won the 2021 NBA Finals.

5.56am JOEL EMBIID TROLLS SIMMONS

Now ex-teammate Joel Embiid didn’t take long to troll Simmons after his exit from Philly.

IYKNYK.

5.46am CELTICS TRADE FOR DERRICK WHITE

The Celtics and the Spurs didn’t want the Simmons, Harden deal have all the spotlight after reportedly completing a trade which will send Derrick White to Boston and Josh Richardson to San Antonio.

If there wasn’t a complete bombshell happening around this trade people would have been shocked to the see Pop and the Spurs make a move at the deadline.

The C’s will be estatic to pick up White as an upgrade at the Point Guard position was top of their deadline day priorities.

5.20am BEN SIMMONS TRADED TO BROOKLYN

It has finally happened!

Ben Simmons is on the verge on being traded to the Nets according the Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.

The Brooklyn Nets are sending superstar James Harden and picks to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry and Andre Drummond.

In a trade that seemed like only a pipe dream 24-hours ago the blockbuster puts an end to a nighmare season for Simmons who has been consumed in controversy since his split from the team weeks before the season commenced.

He is yet to play game this season, but the wait may be over for the Aussie All-Star.

5.00amTHE MOVES SO FAR

You may be just waking up, so grab a coffee and let us recap the action so far.

And just a hint - the mad dash to the finish has begun!

A four team trade got us underway as Marvin Bagley III and Serge Ibaka headlined a 4-team trade between the Pistons, Bucks, Clippers and Kings.

The Bucks have added some much needed front court depth and can release Greg Monroe of his duties.

Marvin Bagley is somewhere silently dancing after being released from his lowly role in Sacramento.

And the Kings whose fans might still be smarting after losing Halliburton, may be able to smile underneath their slow flowing tears after aquiring potential long-term centerpiece Donte DiVincenzo in the deal.

Next up, Goran Dragic’s move out of Toronto is on it’s way have Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported that the Spurs have aquired the guard from the Raptors.

He then tweeted the full details of the deal:

His stay isn’t for long in San Antonio however after ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Spurs are expected to buy out Dragic.

The Dallas Mavaricks are in the box seat to land Dragic after the buy out however they will face competition in their attempts as the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks are expected to make a move on the Slovenian.

Dragic only appeard in five games this season for the Raports averaging 8.0 points and 2.8 rebounds before stepping away because of a personal matter.

Lastly, it is bye bye Bol Bol for another team this season after Boston off-loaded him with PJ Dozier to the Magic in a cost-savings deal for the Celtics.

What a rollercoaster beginnning to Bol Bol’s NBA career.

Knicks puts entire roster up for sale

Evan Fournier still thinks this Knicks group could work.

Fournier may be the eternal optimist. Knicks brass is frantically looking to make at least one move to shake up a roster that has nose-dived into 12th place and a 24-31 record approaching the trade deadline Thursday.

The Knicks have made the entire roster available, with point guard Kemba Walker the likeliest candidate to be traded. But Fournier and his $78 million contract could also be on the move.

Dealing Walker and Fournier on Thursday would be an indictment of Knicks president Leon Rose’s blown free-agent summer.

It’s a matter of when not if Julius Randle and the Knicks part ways. Picture: Rich Graessle/Getty
It’s a matter of when not if Julius Randle and the Knicks part ways. Picture: Rich Graessle/Getty

“He has to attach an asset to some of them,” an NBA personnel man said. “Don’t think anyone is lining up at the door for Fournier’s contract.”

Indeed, a prevailing issue is there aren’t a lot of teams head over heels over the Knicks’ assets. One thing to consider: The Knicks are selling low, so why sell at all?

Julius Randle — on and off the court — has perplexed the organization with his odd behavior and inefficient play, but his parting is likelier to occur in the off-season, when there are more options. Plus, he has a chance to increase his trade value. On the current trip, he has averaged 29 points in the three losses.

“It’s not my job,” Randle said of the deadline. “I try to focus on things I can control. This isn’t in my control.”

If Randle is dealt now, it would be forever the defining moment of Rose’s reign.

There are many ways the Knicks can go. According to ESPN, the Lakers have expressed interest in swingman Alec Burks as Knicks management tries to clear a spot for Cam Reddish. Backup center Nerlens Noel has suffered through a brutal campaign after signing his three-year, $30 million extension. He has been unable to stay healthy because of a chronic knee issue.

Evan Fournier and his $78 million contract could be on the move. Picture: Justin Tafoya/Getty
Evan Fournier and his $78 million contract could be on the move. Picture: Justin Tafoya/Getty

The Knicks are still desperate for a point guard, but waiting until the offseason, when Jalen Brunson will be a free agent and Damian Lillard might ask for a trade, sounds like a better plan.

One NBA source said management was more “collaborative” with coach Tom Thibodeau last season than now.

According to a source, Thibodeau wasn’t high on the Walker signing. The Post has previously reported he wasn’t all-in on the trade for Reddish trade, either. Thibodeau admitted in Denver on Tuesday that he’s not involved until a deal gets close.

Word around the league since preseason has been the Knicks’ brass is not on the same page, that there are too many cooks in the kitchen with Rose, William Wesley, Scott Perry and Thibodeau.

- Marc Berman

2.14pm INGLES COULD STILL REMAIN IN UTAH

A “hurt” Joe Ingles could still be offered a deal to stay with the Utah Jazz despite being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The NBA trade deadline ramped up on Thursday when the Jazz parted ways with Ingles and multiple second-round picks in return for Trail Blazers’ youngster Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Juanco Hernangomez from the San Antonio Spurs.

Portland will receive Ingles, Eiljah Hughes and one of the second-round draft picks mentioned, while San Antonio will accept Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick.

The trade will save the Jazz USD$11 million in luxury tax.

Ingles is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next season, however a return to Utah isn’t out of the question.

The Jazz could still offer the Boomers swingman a veteran minimum contract next season as a reward for his loyal service.

It’s a result that NBL championship-winner Chris Anstey is hoping to see for Ingles.

“Classy by Ingles to support being traded to allow Utah to bring in a player to help their playoff run,” Anstey tweeted.

“Hope I’m right, but Portland don’t need him there and I can’t see Ingles family leaving Utah while injured.

“I can see Joe re-signing a 1-year deal with Jazz next season though.”

Chris Anstey says he won’t be surprised if Joe Ingles stays in Utah.
Chris Anstey says he won’t be surprised if Joe Ingles stays in Utah.

Ingles took to Twitter to express his emotions about parting ways with Utah – a franchise where he has become a fan favourite and the franchise’s all-time leading scorer from three-point range.

“Today hurts… I knew it was a possibility but didn’t want to believe it, we have been lucky to call this place home for eight years,” Ingles said.

“I got a lot more to say, but I’m going to have a beer and relax with some good friends.

“Go get a win fellas - I’ll always be watching.”

Ingles also recently spoke about the possibility of being traded.

“If I’m able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that,” he said.

“I’m not going to sit here and be sour and upset. I’ve built my eight years here of hard work and in the community and all that stuff, but I’m very well aware of the business side and all that stuff.”

11:18am: HURT INGLES BREAKS SILENCE

Aussie star Joe Ingles has broken his silence after being traded by Utah to Portland, despite suffering an ACL injury last week.

“Today hurts… I knew it was a possibility but didn’t want to believe it, we have been lucky to call this place home for 8 years!” he tweeted.

“I got a lot more to say, but I’m going to have a beer & relax with some good friends..

“Go get a win fellas! I’ll always be watching

Ingles’ wife, former Melbourne Vixen Renae Ingles, described the day as “so sad” and thanking people for their support.

“Appreciate the love & support - from near and far,” she said on Twitter.

“Today is so sad. I don’t have the words to put together just yet.

“Incredibly grateful for the last 8years here as part of the Jazz family & Utah community. “Focus is Joe’s knee & rehab. Deeply saddened, & thankful for you all xxx.”

8:49am: SIMMONS TRADE GETTING CLOSER?

The clock is ticking for a blockbuster trade between the 76ers and the Nets to get done but experts are starting to believe it will happen.

Why?

Because James Harden is doing everything he can to be traded out of Brooklyn.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported via Greeny that the former MVP “is screaming in every way he possibly can, ‘I don’t want to be here; get me out of here.’”

This isn’t ideal for the Nets.

Nets head coach Steve Nash shut down trade rumours on Tuesday saying: “I’ve talked to James, he wants to be here. He wants to be here long term as well, so I don’t think anything’s changed other than noise from the outside.”

Though when there is smoke there is fire, and there is a lot of smoke out here.

Brooklyn is now stuck with a dilemma.

James Harden could be key to a trade involving Ben Simmons. Picture: Getty Images
James Harden could be key to a trade involving Ben Simmons. Picture: Getty Images

If they chose to keep Harden in an attempt to turn their season around, they do so knowing they will lose him for nothing as it now almost certain he walks at free agency.

Or they make a trade for Ben Simmons.

The two teams are “absolutely talking, absolutely negotiating” stated Windhorst.

“What the real issue is here for the Nets is not the consequences of making this deal, it’s the consequences of not making this deal.

“If they don’t do this trade what is James Harden going to do the rest of this season and of course what is he going to do when he becomes a free agent in the summer?

“That’s what has spurred this into game.”

Deadline causes action and now there is a glimmer of hope for Ben Simmons to resume his NBA career.

7.45am: INGLES ON THE MOVE

Australian NBA star Joe Ingles has reportedly been traded to Portland just over a week after suffering a torn left ACL.

The three-team deal saw the Utah Jazz part ways with Joe Ingles and multiple second-round picks in return for Trail Blazers’ youngster Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Juanco Hernangomez from the San Antonio Spurs.

Portland will receive Ingles, Eiljah Hughes and one of the second-round draft picks mentioned, while San Antonio will accept Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick.

According to ESPN, the trade will save the Jazz USD$11 million in luxury tax.

BOGUT: Countless questions only Ingles can answer

Joe Ingles looks to be joining Portland. Picture: AFP
Joe Ingles looks to be joining Portland. Picture: AFP

Ingles is in the final year of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next season.

Last week he spoke to ESPN about the possibility of being traded.

“If I’m able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that,” he said.

“I’m not going to sit here and be sour and upset. I’ve built my eight years here of hard work and in the community and all that stuff, but I’m very well aware of the business side and all that stuff.”

WILL BEN SIMMONS FIND A NEW HOME?

Will Ben Simmons find the trade he, and the hole in his pockets, desires? It’s tricky to say - though here is what we know.

Once the Kings pulled out of the Simmons hunt a trade for the disgruntled point-forward seemed unlikely.

Until the Nets entered the chat.

Could Ben be headed for Brooklyn? Picture: AFP
Could Ben be headed for Brooklyn? Picture: AFP

Brooklyn - a team widely considered as a title contender - are amidst a ghastly 9 game losing streak, the worst in the competition.

Kyrie Irving can’t play at home, they’re without Kevin Durant until at least the All-Star break, and now reports have emerged that James Harden could walk in free agency.

Nets head coach Steve Nash has said Harden won’t be dealt before the deadline though this team has championship aspirations and the pressure of the trade deadline may force their hand.

Philadelphia want this and they can’t afford to waste Joel Embiid’s MVP calibre season.

The eastern conference is there for the taking and with $33M in cap space sitting on the couch at home this could be the move that finally has them knocking on the NBA Finals door.

The motivation for a move is there - now it’s up to Daryl Morey and Sean Marks to come together.

SACRAMENTO SENDS INTERNET INTO MELTDOWN

Well absolutely no-one saw this one coming.

Usually a trade between two non-contenders has you going ‘like-whatever’ but what went down between Sacramento and Indiana had everyone going ‘like-WOAH’.

The Pacers sent Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and a 2027 second-round pick to the (insert disappointing adjective here) Kings for Tyrese Halliburton, Buddy Held and Tristan Thompson.

And the internet blew up.

If you’re Sacramento you are looking at it like this - we got multi-time All-Star Sabonis.

If you are everyone else you are confused.

Sabonis is by far the best player in this deal - a player who can take you inside, space the floor and control the glass. For the Kings to secure a player with his talent is commendable, but the price they paid to get him is questionable.

Tyrese Haliburton only two weeks ago said he wanted to be the man to change this exact culture in Sacramento - only to be traded out of town.

It’s a bold trade Cotton, let’s see how this plays out.

RUMOUR MILL - WHO ELSE COULD STILL GET TRADED?

The Knicks veterans:

This season has been a horror story for the Knicks. A year of promise has turned into another year of disappointment and the fans are growing frustrated. Julius Randle has been lacklustre, Kemba Walker has been a shell of himself and Evan Fournier has taken three months to show production. It seems the front office and the coach are at a divide of opinions - though Knicks president Leon Rose has a chance to right the ship and get the kids some minutes.

Moving Kemba is a priority for the Knicks. Picture: Getty Images
Moving Kemba is a priority for the Knicks. Picture: Getty Images

Clippers big men:

There is a logjam at the center position and the Clippers are ready to deal - Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac and Isaiah Hartenstein are all on the table. Their three-man rotation isn’t working and they are a club that is refusing to let their season slip.

Jerami Grant:

Pistons star Jerami Grant has long been linked with a move away from Detroit. There has been interest from multiple parties such as the Wizards, Lakers, Jazz, Bulls, Timberwolves and now Trailblazers all enquiring about the forward.

Myles Turner

It seemed almost certain that Myles Turner was on the move but the departure of Domantas Sabonis may have just changed that. Indiana had always hoped that both their big men could co-exist but the floor is now Turner’s.

As one of the most versatile defenders in the league the Pacers will be excited to see what he can do with Tyrese Haliburton, their promising young point guard of the future.

Progress is slow on the any Grant trade. Picture: Getty Images.
Progress is slow on the any Grant trade. Picture: Getty Images.

Ricky Rubio and Robert Covington

Ricky and RoCo have only just been moved on but they shouldn’t settle on new accomodation just yet - another move could be on their radars. The Pacers don’t have a need for Rubio who is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and could take on a bad contract to bring in draft picks. Covington is on an expiring deal and LA will be looking to lower their luxury-tax bill. If they are will throw a pick in you just know OKC will be sniffing around.

Dennis Schroder

After a slow start to the season marred with criticism of their top guns - the Celtics are in the middle of a 6 win hot streak as they aim to solidify a spot in the play-offs while avoiding the play-in tournament. However, they are also a team wary of their luxury-tax bill.

Boston are looking to make a move without ruining their momentum, which has all signs pointing to Dennis Schroder. Starting 25 of their 48 games Schroder has been a constant minus on their box score. They have tested his value and are in talks with the Bucks who are willing to exchange Donte DiVincenzo - though any deal there will need to include Grant Williams.

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Originally published as 2022 NBA Trade Deadline: All the news and updates as the deadline closes

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/american-sports/nba/2022-nba-trade-deadline-all-the-news-and-updates-as-the-deadline-closes/news-story/cf345c0b29a1bd35ce305e5945833c84