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76ers trade James Harden to Clippers: How the deal positions both teams to succeed – The Athletic
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By: Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Lawrence Murray
The Philadelphia 76ers traded star guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers Here’s what you need to know:
Welcome to #ClipperNation, James Harden! pic.twitter.com/ff6fut11yW
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 1, 2023
76ers owner Josh Harris and Clippers owner Steve Ballmer ironed out the details of the Harden trade on a phone call Monday, league sources said. Philadelphia decided Monday that the team’s relationship with Harden would no longer work and it was time to trade him after the 76ers’ 2-1 start to the season, per the sources.
On a critical call Monday that helped iron out the 76ers-Clippers James Harden blockbuster after four months of negotiations: pic.twitter.com/uGTeCWlWMb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 31, 2023
Harden led the NBA in assists last season but his scoring exploits are his most notable trait, and it tends to be what observers point to as Harden’s biggest downfall in the money season. But this will be the first time that Harden plays with two scoring wings like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, taking significant pressure off of Harden to be a scorer.
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And though Russell Westbrook has established himself as a leader with the Clippers, the only other playmaking guard on the roster was Bones Hyland. Now with Harden, there is insurance for preserving Westbrook, who is in his 16th NBA season. — Lawrence Murray, Clippers writer
It was critical for the Clippers to keep Terance Mann out of this trade. They managed to do that, and they consolidated the power forward position of Morris, Batum and Covington. All of these players have their strengths: Morris is relied on for physicality and shooting when at his best, Batum is a versatile defender and sharp cutter and floor spacer, and Covington had just filled in for Mann as a starter providing active hands. Martin was brought in to be an energy player.
But the Clippers successfully turned all three into a talent upgrade, while also bringing in a player in Tucker who can provide solid intangibles and toughness in a significantly reduced role. — Murray
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This move was made on the Clippers’ end to maximize Leonard and George. Both players can opt out of their contracts in 2024. Harden is already a 2024 free agent who can’t be extended. Coach Tyronn Lue is expected to have his contract situation revisited next summer as well. The Clippers determined that they had to make this trade.
The 76ers have the reigning MVP in Joel Embiid and the Player of the Week in Tyrese Maxey ready to emerge. They now have all the cap space they could want in 2024. — Murray
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Harden has not played yet this season as he was away from the team earlier this month. He rejoined the Sixers on the bench Sunday and was set to practice with the team Tuesday as part of his conditioning and ramp-up to return.
The 10-time All-Star and 2018 NBA MVP brings career averages of 24.7 points and 7.0 assists per game to Los Angeles. He led the league in assists per game in 2022-23, his first full season with the 76ers after arriving in Philadelphia from a trade with Brooklyn at the 2022 trade deadline.
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The Clippers will make the fourth team Harden has played with since forcing his way out of Houston in 2021. In Los Angeles, he will reunite with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Westbrook and join a core of George and Leonard as the Clippers look to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
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Sixers trade Harden, but what’s next is what really matters for Morey, Embiid
Following Harden’s trade, the Clippers’ odds of winning the NBA championship moved from +2000 to +1300, via BetMGM. Los Angeles opened at +1400 after the NBA Finals last season.
(Photo: Adam Pantozzi / NBAE via Getty Images)
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