The blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers also included Paul Millsap. | Twitter
The blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers also included Paul Millsap. | Twitter
The blockbuster trade that had the Brooklyn Nets ship James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month also included longtime veteran power forward Paul Millsap.
Harden and Millsap came to the 76ers, who currently lead the Atlantic Division, in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, CBS Sports reported.
“I am proud to welcome James and Paul Millsap – a proven veteran and former All Star – to the 76ers, and can’t wait for what the future holds for the city and our fans,” 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris said in a team issued press release.
In his introductory press conference, the 6-foot-7 Millsap expressed awe in his new settings.
“Coming here with the talent, the players, the coaching staff, and the organization, mixed with that energy and talent, it’s unbelievable,” he said, according to the SBNation blog Liberty Ballers.
The four-time All-Star, whose lengthy career began with the Utah Jazz in 2006, is expected to help shore up a frontcourt led by one of the best big men in the game currently, center Joel Embiid.
“I told him if we use him, it will be at the five, because I just think that’s where he’s at,” head coach Doc Rivers told Liberty Ballers. “I just think a vet, a high [high, high] character guy is never bad to put in your locker room.”
According to NBA.com, Millsap has logged 1,081 career games plus 129 total playoff games.
He has been to the playoffs 12 times in his 15-season career, the website added.
The 76ers originally had Millsap in their sights during the 2021 offseason before the big man inked a contract with the rival Nets.
His first game for Philadelphia was the 135-87 loss to the Boston Celtics on Feb. 15 in which he chipped in nine points on 3-of-6 shooting.
Alerts Sign-up