On Monday night, the LA Clippers made a major move, reportedly Clippers acquire James Harden bringing a 10-time All-Star guard to their team in an extensive trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources confirmed.
Clippers Acquire James Harden
As part of the trade, the 76ers sent James Harden, along with P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev, to the Clippers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap, and an additional first-round pick coming from a third team, as reported by ESPN sources.
Finalizing these details, the Clippers and the third team were working late into Monday night.
To make room for this trade, the Sixers decided to waive veteran guard Danny Green, sources also stated.
This acquisition strengthens the Clippers’ lineup as they welcome James Harden to join All-Star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as guard Russell Westbrook, who previously played alongside Harden in both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. The discussion between the Clippers and Sixers regarding a Harden trade had been ongoing since July and was ultimately concluded in the late hours of Monday night.
Over the weekend, the Clippers and 76ers resumed their trade talks as it became increasingly challenging for Harden to fit back into the Sixers’ lineup.
The Sixers aimed to secure two first-round picks in exchange for Harden, believing that along with the second-round picks and a pick swap, these assets would enable them to pursue another high-level guard to complement MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in the current season.
James Harden expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Clippers and is eager to head to Los Angeles as soon as possible, according to sources close to him as shared with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. There’s even a possibility that he may be in attendance for the Clippers’ home game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
James Harden, aged 34, had requested a trade out of Philadelphia in June after opting into his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season. In August, during a promotional event in China, he publicly criticized 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, and acknowledged earlier this month upon rejoining the team that their relationship was beyond repair.
Although he hadn’t played for Philadelphia this season, Harden showed his intent to participate by being on the bench with his teammates during Sunday’s game. He was expected to take part in Tuesday’s practice at the team’s facility in Camden, New Jersey.
James Harden, who grew up in Southern California and was a standout at Artesia High School in Lakewood, had expressed a desire to be traded to the Clippers.
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