Philadelphia 76ers Trade James Harden To the L.A. Clippers

The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to trade James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, which follows a June trade request that will see Harden on his fourth team in four seasons. 

The deal calls for the Clippers to exchange Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Kenyon Martin Jr., a 2028 first-round pick, and additional draft assets to the 76ers in exchange for the 10-time NBA All-Star.

Harden will join stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook in search of the Clippers’ first championship.

Harden averaged 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game with the 76ers last season.

Anticipating a major payday, Harden decided to pick up a $35.6 million option and request a trade rather than enter free agency, which set off a standoff between Harden and Daryl Morey, president of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Unable to find a deal before the opening of training camp, Harden skipped the team’s media day and its first day of training camp before rejoining the team. At the start of the regular season, he again distanced himself from the 76ers and was not present during the 76ers season opener.

With Harden, the Clippers will look to boost their overall outlook. The Clippers, who are off to a 2-1 start, will hope Harden’s arrival will add more quality to the term.

Last week it was reported that the Clippers had paused their Harden.

Article by Zach Ament