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The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to trade guard James Harden to the LA Clippers in a multiplayer deal, according to sources from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This trade involves multiple draft picks.
Sources indicate that Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, and KJ Martin are set to join Philadelphia as part of the trade, while the Clippers will receive P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev alongside Harden.
Furthermore, Wojnarowski’s sources reveal that the trade includes a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, and a pick swap from the Clippers to the Sixers. Additionally, the 76ers will receive an additional future first-round pick from a third team.
In order to make room for the trade, the 76ers will waive veteran guard Danny Green, state insiders.
Harden is reportedly thrilled to be joining the Clippers and is eager to fly to Los Angeles as soon as possible, according to sources close to him involving ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. There’s a possibility he might be present for the Clippers’ home game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Harden, who is 34 years old, requested a trade in June after exercising his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-2024 season. In August, during a promotional appearance in China, he repeatedly referred to 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey as “a liar.” Earlier this month, upon rejoining the team, he admitted that their relationship was beyond repair.
Although Harden has not played for Philadelphia in the current season, he has been with his teammates on the bench during Sunday’s game. He was seen wearing jeans and a green hoodie after participating in the 76ers’ pregame walkthrough and video session.
Harden is expected to practice with the team on Tuesday at their Camden, New Jersey facility.
As a 10-time All-Star, Harden has been one of the league’s top performers for the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He also led the league in assists last season.
Throughout the trade negotiations, Philadelphia has consistently maintained its requirement of receiving two first-round picks to enhance their roster around reigning league MVP Joel Embiid.
Harden, who grew up in Southern California and was a standout player at Artesia High School in Lakewood, had expressed his desire to be traded to the Clippers. This move reunites him with his former teammate, Russell Westbrook, from their time together on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 76ers, with a current record of 2-1, will face the Raptors in their next game on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Clippers, also with a record of 2-1, will host the Magic on Tuesday before taking on the Lakers on Wednesday for a back-to-back matchup.
