Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank issued a strong statement on the James Harden trade after the deal with the Philadelphia 76ers became official.
The Clippers acquired Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev from the Sixers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington and K.J. Martin.
As part of the trade, the Clippers dealt a first-round pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap and cash considerations to the Sixers while sending a pick swap and cash considerations to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“James is one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the NBA,” Frank said. “With his size and vision, he possesses an extraordinary ability to create for himself and others. The Los Angeles area has produced so many elite players in recent years. With Kawhi, Paul, Russ and James, we’re excited to bring four of them together, and eager to see what they can accomplish with the rest of our group.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. He has made 10 All-Star teams and seven All-NBA teams and has won three scoring titles, two assists titles and one MVP Award.
Harden becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason. The lefty 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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Clippers are expected to start Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac once Harden is ready to play. 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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