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Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN Staff Writer
LOS ANGELES — In a surprising turn of events, former Houston Rockets players James Harden and P.J. Tucker were warmly welcomed by the LA Clippers as soon as they arrived at the Crypto.com Arena. Despite the trade between the Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers still pending official approval, team president Lawrence Frank and owner Steve Ballmer personally greeted and guided Harden and Tucker to their new locker room.
Although Clippers coach Ty Lue and players Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook refrained from commenting on the trade until it was finalized, Westbrook hinted his contentment with the situation. When asked about his thoughts on the deal, Westbrook replied with a smile, “Right now, James and P.J. off limits, I got nothing for you until it’s official.” He later confirmed his happiness, saying, “Yeah. I mean, s—. Why wouldn’t I be? Yeah, excuse my language, but definitely, definitely happy.”
In the locker room before the game, Westbrook and Harden, former teammates in Oklahoma City and Houston, reunited and shared a light-hearted moment. Harden jokingly told Westbrook that he can stay on the other side of the locker room, where his new locker is situated.
Eventually, Tucker and Harden caught up with Westbrook and Paul George, sitting together to chat prior to the Clippers’ game against the Orlando Magic.
Excitement filled the locker room as Harden expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “You don’t understand.” He even sang along to the song “You Dropped A Bomb On Me” by the Gap Band, which was playing nearby.
While the trade is expected to be official on Wednesday, Harden and Tucker will likely not participate in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Clippers have four days off after that game, allowing for a mini training camp for the new acquisitions before their three-game road trip, starting with the New York Knicks on Monday.
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