The Philadelphia 76ers finally traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden, who requested a trade in June, is “ecstatic” to be going to the Clippers, according to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
The Clippers now have Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Los Angeles head coach Tyronn Lue is expected to start Harden, Westbrook, George, Leonard and Ivica Zubac.
Harden started 58 games for the Sixers last season. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists and led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career. The Beard becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Just like the Clippers franchise, Harden has never won a title. He has career NBA averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. Harden has made 10 All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams and has won three scoring titles, two assists titles and one MVP Award.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
It’s unknown when Harden will make his Clippers debut. What we do know is that Harden is thrilled to be away from Sixers president Daryl Morey. Harden called Morey a “liar” in August during his Adidas tour in China after a Clippers trade didn’t happen following his decision to pick up his 2023-24 player option.
Harden said on October 13 that there was no chance of that relationship being repaired and he repeatedly referred to Morey as “the front office” without saying his name.
“No,” Harden said when asked directly whether he thought things could get patched up with Morey. “This is not even about this situation — this is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage … you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Leonard, George and Westbrook wanted the Clippers to acquire Harden, league sources told NBA Analysis Network. Harden spoke with Leonard, George and Westbrook to make sure they were okay with him joining the team.
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