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The 76ers make an offseason splash as part of a four-team blockbuster trade that sends Andre Iguodala to the Nuggets and Magic center Dwight Howard to the Lakers. The Sixers receive Lakers center Andrew Bynum and Magic guard Jason Richardson.

In addition to trading Iguodala, the Sixers send rookie forward Maurice Harkless, second-year center Nik Vucevic and a protected first-round draft pick to the Magic, who will receive draft choices the other three teams involved in the trade. The Magic also receive forward Al Harrington and guard Aaron Afflalo from the Nuggets and forward Josh McRoberts and guard Christian Enenga from the Lakers. In addition to Howard, the Lakers receive guard Chris Duhon and forward Earl Clark.

Iguodala, playing for the United States at the Olympics, where Sixers head coach Doug Collins is a commentator, has played his entire career with the Sixers. He was the ninth overall pick in the 2004 draft.

Iguodala has been criticized for not living up to the maximum-level contract that still has one year remaining at nearly $15 million and $16.1 million the following year, with an opt-out clause. But he rose to the occasion this past season, particularly during the playoffs, as the Sixers beat the top-seeded Bulls and stretched the Celtics to seven games.

Iguodala averaged 12.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.46 steals during the playoffs. He also made clutch free throws and 3-pointers. One of the criticisms frequently leveled at Iguodala is he didn’t make clutch shots.

Although he is still a terrific defensive player, Iguodala’s scoring average has declined four straight years, from a peak of 19.9 during the 2007-08 season to 12.4 this past season. Some of the decline may be due to Iguodala concentrating more on his defensive role since Collins became head coach.

Iguodala reacts to trade news while at Olympics

Bynum, 24, averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds last season. The 7-foot, 285-pound Bynum provides the Sixers with a low-post presence they haven’t had for many years. Bynum, who has battled injuries the past two seasons, has one year remaining on his contract, at $16.8 million.

Richardson, who averaged 11.6 points last season, has three years remaining on his contract, with an opt-out clause for the final year.

Vucevic averaged 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 51 regular-season games last season.

Sixers fans won’t have to wait long to welcome Iguodala back to Philadelphia. The Sixers opener their season at Wells Fargo Center on Halloween against the Nuggets.

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