The Minnesota Timberwolves’ trade of Ben Simmons to the Philadelphia 76ers for a future second-round pick has shocked the NBA world. Simmons was the prize of the NBA draft two years ago, and while it seemed like the Philadelphia 76ers were poised to be a contender in the Eastern Conference, the Timberwolves came out of nowhere to acquire him for a future pick. The trade is an elimination game for the Sixers, who are trying to trade as much of their current roster as possible to clear salary cap space for a big-name free agent in this year’s summer free agency.
As of today, the Philadelphia 76ers have acquired 76ers free agent signing, Dwight Howard, from the Charlotte Hornets for the expiring contract of guard, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and the second round draft pick in the 2019 NBA Draft (lottery protected). The decision to trade for Howard was made despite Monty Williams, the 76ers’ head coach, saying that they were not interested in trading for him.
On Friday it was announced that Ben Simmons had rejected a five-year, $176 million extension offer from the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA Draft Lottery is less than two weeks away, and the team had already informed the public that it had no intention of trading Simmons.. Read more about where is ben simmons from and let us know what you think.
Howard, Dwight has decided to leave the 76ers after just one season with the team. Following the team’s heartbreaking playoff series defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, Howard has made the decision to rejoin LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to pursue another championship ring.
Howard delivered a heartfelt message to the Sixers and the people of Philadelphia as he walked out the door, but he also made a sly jab at Ben Simmons and his free-throw shooting.
After a year with the Sixers, Dwight Howard is reunited with LeBron James.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons and Dwight Howard chuckle during a game against the Miami Heat | Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Howard’s NBA career has been a fascinating one to watch. The 35-year-old center has spent his whole career with seven different clubs, switching teams in each of the past six offseasons.
Howard signed a one-year contract with the Sixers after winning his first professional championship with the Lakers in 2020. In his one season in Philadelphia, he averaged 7.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game off the bench, but he won’t be back.
In a tweet on Monday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski claimed that Howard would return to the Lakers on a one-year, veterans minimum deal to rejoin with LeBron James.
On his way out the door, Howard takes a sly parting jab at Ben Simmons.
Dwight Howard sends a heartfelt goodbye to Philadelphia supporters… to chilly freeze-outs with some free throw instruction for Ben thrown in for good measure. pic.twitter.com/KUcZghrXyE
August 3, 2021 — Amy Fadool Kane (@amyfadoolNBCS)
In his one and only season with the Sixers, Howard had a great experience. From the bench, he enjoyed interacting with the audience and rooting for opposing players to miss two free throws so that supporters might win a free Wendy’s Frosty.
Howard offered a heartfelt goodbye to the people of Philadelphia through Instagram after making his free agency choice to rejoin the Lakers. On his way out of town, he also took a sly jab at Simmons’ free-throw shooting.
Philly. Philly. Philly. This is the image that best captures my experience in Philadelphia. Pure pleasure and affection. I’m sorry we just had a brief time together. However, I must admit that I really loved every minute of it. I’m going to miss Philly, the city, and all of the fans. You all showed me a lot of affection. It didn’t go unnoticed, either. I’m in love with you. Thank you to the BROTHERLY LOVE city. PHILADELPHIA. My chilly shouts with the audience will be missed. To my brothers and sisters We fell up short this year. However, we had a fantastic season. Thank you to everyone at the 76ers. We are always going to be family.
And then there’s Ben. Bend your kneessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Dwight Howard
Hm. That last paragraph felt a little pointless. Simmons’ teammates have had enough of his inability to shoot. And you know you have a serious issue when Howard, a career 56.6 percent free-throw shooter, mocks your shooting form.
Simmons is still on the Sixers’ roster.
Many Sixers supporters thought Simmons wouldn’t make it through the first few hours of free agency without being traded. But it’s been three days and Simmons is still nowhere to be found.
It isn’t for a lack of offers, but Philadelphia seems to place a far higher value on the star point guard than the rest of the league. Daryl Morey, the club’s president of basketball operations, isn’t going to trade Simmons for a pittance simply to appease the fans, and he still thinks the team can win with Simmons on the roster.
Simmons and his non-bending knees may have to deal with 76ers fans for at least another season.
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