Ben Simmons is no longer a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. The front office's patience in dealing with their star guard being away from the team paid off tremendously, as they landed James Harden in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers traded away two other players and two draft picks to land the former MVP.

Now, Harden will team up with Joel Embiid as the Sixers look to firmly establish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. A duo with two guys who can play MVP-caliber basketball will surely become one of the favorites to contend for the conference crown.

The Sixers also reunite Harden with Philadelphia's president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. The two helped create a dominant run with the Houston Rockets. Pulling off such a trade when Simmons seemingly had no trade value is nothing short of a masterstroke.

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Philadelphia fans have been freed from the constant onslaught of rumors and updates on Simmons. Now, they will have the pleasure of watching Embiid and Harden demolish defenses on a nightly basis. One Philly fan, rapper Meek Mill — who tried recruiting Harden to Philadelphia over a year ago — proclaimed that the Sixers will make a championship run now that they have The Beard.

Embiid has seen numerous stars around him in his time with the Sixers. Harden, despite being 32 years old and suffering from a hamstring issue, could be the very best teammate he has ever played with.