
In a huge trade with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, the LA Clippers acquired 10-time All-Star guard James Harden, sources informed ESPN.
In exchange for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round selection, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap, and an additional first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 76ers moved Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers, sources told ESPN.
According to reports, the Clippers are sending Oklahoma City a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for the Thunder’s protected 2026 first-round pick, which will allow the Thunder to trade it to the 76ers. According to insiders, the Clippers are also giving the Sixers second-round picks in 2024 and 2029 as part of the transaction.
According to insiders, the Sixers will waive veteran guard Danny Green to make room on the roster for the deal.
The Sixers are on track to have as much as $50 million to $65 million in salary cap room next summer by bringing back expiring contracts.
Harden was acquired by the Clippers to collaborate with All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who previously played with Harden for the Thunder and Houston Rockets, and forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. After deliberating about a Harden deal since July, the Clippers and Sixers ultimately came to a late-night agreement on Monday.
Due to Harden’s inability to return to the Sixers starting lineup, the Clippers and 76ers resumed negotiations over the weekend, according to sources.
In exchange for Harden, the Sixers had hoped to acquire two first-round picks. They feel that these assets, along with the second-round picks and a pick swap, will allow them to look for another elite guard to join Tyrese Maxey and MVP Joel Embiid this season. The Clippers, on the other hand, are still without their versatile fifth-year guard Terance Mann because of a sprained left ankle.
According to those close to Harden, who told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that he is “ecstatic” about joining the Clippers, Harden wanted to get to Los Angeles as soon as possible. He might go to the Clippers’ home game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
When Harden, 34, decided to exercise his $35.6 million player option for the 2023–24 season in June, he asked to be traded out of Philadelphia. Harden repeatedly referred to Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the 76ers, as “a liar” during a promotional presentation in China in August. This month, after returning to the team, Harden said that their relationship was irreversibly damaged.
Despite not having played for Philadelphia yet this season, Harden was sitting on the bench with his teammates on Sunday in a green sweatshirt and jeans. Prior to the game, he had taken part in a pregame video session and walkthrough with the 76ers. He was anticipated to participate in the team’s practice on Tuesday at its Camden, New Jersey, location.
Raised in Southern California and a standout student at Lakewood’s Artesia High School, Harden had made it clear that he wanted to be traded to the Clippers. The guard is the newest member of the Clippers’ home-grown roster to hail from Southern California.
In the summer of 2019, Leonard, a Moreno Valley native who attended Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, and George, a Palmdale native who attended Knight High School, made the decision to join forces with the Clippers. Leonard was a free agent when he was signed by the Clippers, who also acquired George in exchange for two selection swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and four future unprotected first-round picks.
Westbrook, who attended Lawndale’s Leuzinger High School before becoming a star at UCLA, was also signed by the Clippers as a free agency during the All-Star break. The point guard was bought out of his Utah contract after being traded by the Lakers.
Over the last ten years, Harden has become as one of the league’s best players, taking home three scoring crowns and the 2018 league MVP honors. Last season, he had the most assists in the league.
Thanks to the efforts of Harden, Westbrook, and George, the Clippers currently have three players among the top six active scorers among those who have never won a championship (according to ESPN Stats & Information research). The Clippers are hoping to win their first NBA title as a team with those three surrounding two-time NBA Finals MVP Leonard.
The Clippers (2-1) begin a back-to-back set in Los Angeles on Tuesday against the Magic and conclude on Wednesday with the Lakers. After that back-to-back, coach Tyronn Lue will give the Clippers four days off to integrate Harden and Tucker before they begin a three-game road trip in New York on Monday against the Knicks.
Harden may play his old Nets squad in Brooklyn on Wednesday of that road trip, and the Clippers will conclude their swing in Dallas on Friday.