James Harden’s Dramatic LA Homecoming: Joins Clippers in Blockbuster Trade
The NBA’s Latest Soap Opera Comes to a Climax: James Harden Moves to the Clippers
We’re on the brink of basketball history, folks. James Harden, the man who’s made as many headlines for his off-court antics as his on-court brilliance, is packing his bags for Los Angeles. The 10-time NBA All-Star who was sitting idle on the Philadelphia 76ers’ bench will now add star power to the Los Angeles Clippers, joining a roster already stacked with All-Stars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook.
“Woj Bomb” Sets Off Trade Buzz
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, affectionately known as “Woj,” dropped the bomb late Monday night, sending Twitter into a frenzy. As per Wojnarowski’s sources, the 76ers have agreed to send Harden to the Clippers in a trade that can only be described as colossal.
“The Philadelphia 76ers agreed to trade Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported late Monday night, citing sources,” said the tweet that rocked the NBA world.
Details of the Deal: The Players Shuffle
In return for the game-changing talent that is James Harden, the Clippers are parting ways with a hefty collection of veteran players and future draft picks. Heading to the 76ers will be Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round draft pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap, and a future first-round pick from a third team. And the Clippers aren’t just getting Harden; they’re also welcoming forward PJ Tucker and center Filip Petrusev to their ranks.
“Wojnarowski reported the Clippers are sending veterans Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round draft pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap and a future first-round pick from a third team to the 76ers for Harden, forward PJ Tucker and center Filip Petrusev.”
To make room for these new additions, the 76ers have decided to waive veteran guard Danny Green.
The Sixers are acquiring Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, multiple draft picks and a pick swap for James Harden, PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/fSOkgO5xd3
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2023
Harden’s Frustration Peaks
This trade didn’t come out of the blue. Harden had been vying for a move to the Clippers for quite some time, but talks between the teams seemed to stagnate. His unhappiness escalated to the point that he publicly criticized 76ers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, during a shoe tour in China.
“During a shoe tour in China, Harden blasted Morey, calling him a ‘liar’ and stating he’d never play for the executive again.”
The LA Scene Beckons
Let’s not forget the timing and the teams involved here. The Warriors and Kings will get a close-up look at Harden early in the 2023-24 NBA season. Golden State and LA will battle it out three times in two weeks, and the Kings have two matchups with the Clippers in the same timeframe.
Moreover, Harden isn’t just joining another NBA team; he’s coming home. Born in Los Angeles, this move is a homecoming of sorts for the veteran player, who averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists last season.
A New Chapter in Harden’s Rollercoaster Career
What does this mean for the Clippers and the NBA at large? We’ve got a new super team in the making, led by one of the most polarizing figures in sports today. With Harden joining the Clippers, the West just got a whole lot wilder. Buckle up, basketball fans; we’re in for one heck of a ride.