The NBA trade deadline passed Thursday at 3 PM Thursday. There were plenty of moves made. Of course, the biggest trade involved the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. Obviously, the trade between these two teams will have a significant impact on the players involved on the court and in fantasy as well. It is crucial for the managers that have these players on their rosters know how these moves will affect them moving forward. To that end, Belly Up Sports presents this basketball trades fantasy impact edition.

The Big Trade: James Harden for Ben Simmons

Without question, the biggest trade before the deadline involved the deal between Brooklyn and Philadelphia. Equally without doubt, the two biggest players featured in the deal were James Harden and Ben Simmons. Obviously, other players were also in the trade, but they can be discussed later. The managers who have Harden or Simmons want to know how these two will be affected by the deal. In looking it over, managers of both players should be quite pleased the trade happened.

The Harden Impact

Those fantasy managers that have Harden on their rosters should be doing a happy dance right now. It was obvious that Harden was no longer interested in being a part of the Nets’ big three experiment. That whole maneuver had completely imploded and Harden’s play, or more specifically, his lack of it, was clear. Of the last seven Nets games, Harden played in just two. The last game he appeared in indicated why this trade was necessary. In 37 minutes against the Kings, Harden managed just four points. As seen with Houston a year ago, once Harden checks out, his play goes right out the window.

Clearly, the disappearing act will no longer be a concern. Harden’s hamstring issue that he was said to be dealing with will miraculously be healed when it comes time for Harden to play his first game for Philadelphia. When that happens, managers should see the kind of play Harden put forth when he first went to Brooklyn after being traded by Houston. In Harden’s two first games with the Nets last year, Harden scored 32 and 34 points. The next game he had 10 rebounds and 12 assists.

The 30-point games shouldn’t be expected with Joel Embiid around. However, Harden should be putting up over 20 points and near triple doubles on a nightly basis. Fantasy managers should expect Harden to be one of the best, if not the best, shooting guards going down the stretch and into the playoffs. Expecting that kind of production should leave any manager smiling today.

The Simmons Impact

Simply stated, ANY fantasy output from Simmons would thrill his managers. All that held onto Simmons this long despite the fact that he hadn’t played a single game this season will finally reap the rewards. Until the trade actually occurred, it looked like Simmons would be on the sideline the entire season. Philadelphia was not interested in a trade just to make one and were content to wait until summer if need be. Of course, that problem is now solved. The question, though, is how will the trade impact Simmons in fantasy, both down the stretch and into the playoffs?

Without doubt, Simmons will need time to get into game shape. How long that will take is anyone’s guess, but it was reported that Simmons planned on accompanying Brooklyn on their trip to Miami Saturday. The Nets return home after that and then don’t leave New York for the next four games. That will allow Simmons time to get work in with his teammates. It is my belief that it won’t be long until Simmons is on the court as a full participant.

Once that happens, Simmons can get back to being the player who averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game last season. He will get the basketball to the spots that Kevin Durant, once healthy, and Kyrie Irving like on the court. Simmons’ defensive play will be a breath of fresh air for Brooklyn. Until he is cleared to play, managers just need to keep him in the IL spot he has been in since the beginning of the season. It is clear that once on the court, Simmons will be a huge fantasy asset for his managers.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this basketball trades fantasy impact edition! As always, I welcome suggestions, questions and input from all of my readers. Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports & Picks for all the latest NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and all the sports news!