Breaking News: James Harden Traded to Los Angeles Clippers, Ends Nightmare in Philadelphia
In a surprising turn of events, Daryl Morey, the executive of the Philadelphia 76ers, has agreed to trade NBA All-Star James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news early Tuesday, stating that the 76ers will receive Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, Kenyon Martin Jr., and draft picks in return. P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrušev will also be part of the deal, heading to LA.
According to Wojnarowski, Philadelphia will not only acquire players, but also a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, second-round picks in 2024 and 2029, a 2029 pick swap, and a protected 2026 first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was further reported by Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer that the 2026 pick from the Thunder will be the least valuable of the three picks they own.
To complete the deal, the 76ers will waive Danny Green, freeing up a roster spot. In return, the Clippers will send a 2027 first-round pick swap to the Thunder. Harden, who has yet to play this season, was stopped from boarding the team’s plane for their season-opening road trip last week, leading to an NBA investigation. However, he returned to the bench for their home opener on Sunday and was set to practice with the team on Tuesday, with hopes of making his debut soon.
Now, Harden will make his way to the other side of the country and prepare to start his season with the Clippers. The timing of his debut is uncertain, but reports indicate that he is excited to join the team and may even be present at their game on Tuesday. The Clippers have already won two out of their first three games this season and will face the Orlando Magic next.
Harden’s desire to leave the 76ers became evident when he exercised his option for the 2023-24 season just before free agency, only to request a trade to the Clippers. His relationship with the front office seemed to have soured, as he made derogatory remarks about Daryl Morey at a promotional event in China. This resulted in a $100,000 fine from the NBA. The specific reason for his discontent remains unclear.
Daryl Morey, however, remained unfazed by Harden’s comments and was determined to get equal value in return for the player he once considered the best offensive player of all time. The success of this trade will ultimately rely on the opinion of reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who will be closely watched to see how he adapts to the new team dynamic.
Although Harden’s performance has declined in recent years, he still contributed significantly last season, helping the 76ers reach Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. His scoring average may have dropped, but his playmaking ability remains exceptional. However, concerns about his health and commitment to winning exist, as injuries have hampered his performances and he has shown a tendency to leave teams when he believes they cannot help him win a championship.
This trade marks another surprising chapter in the unpredictable career of James Harden, as he joins his fourth team in the last two years. Only time will tell how this move will impact both the 76ers and the Clippers.
