In a surprising move, the LA Clippers have added James Harden, one of the NBA’s main stars, in an exchange with the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN sources reported. This acquisition further strengthens a team full of talent and experience.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are putting together a powerful foursome, surrounding their two-time NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard. Together, they aspire to achieve what the franchise has never achieved before: win their first NBA championship.
Who is James Harden and what was the problem with the Sixers?
James Harden, who has been one of the league’s best players over the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the league’s MVP award in 2018, was in conflict with the 76ers.
His relationship with 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey had become irreparable. Harden had expressed displeasure over the lack of a long-term contract with the 76ers after last season and requested a trade from Philadelphia in June. The 34-year-old star exercised his player option for the 2023-24 season and subsequently pushed to be traded.
Together again ????
Russell Westbrook and James Harden are the only players in NBA history to bring home multiple scoring and assist titles. pic.twitter.com/ap86ZZTmTj
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 31, 2023
How does the exchange they made work?
76 ERS RECEIVES:
Marcus MorrisNicolas BatumRobert CovingtonKJ MartinUnprotected 2028 first-round pickTwo second-round picksPick Swap
CLIPPERS RECIBE:
James HardenPJ TuckerFilip Ptrusev
The details of the exchange are impressive. The 76ers sent James Harden, PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr, and a host of draft picks, including an unprotected 2028 first-round pick. Clippers also send a 2027 first-round pick swap to Oklahoma City as part of the deal.
Additional moves
To accommodate this trade, the 76ers are releasing veteran point guard Danny Green. Additionally, this move could free up cap space, allowing the 76ers to have between $50 and $65 million in cap space next summer.
Impact on the Clippers
Acquiring James Harden is a bold move for the Clippers, who already have stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. With Harden, Russell Westbrook and the aforementioned, the Clippers now possess three of the top six active players in points scored who have never won an NBA title. This is according to research from ESPN Stats & Information. The franchise hopes to finally win its first NBA championship.
2023-11-01 05:15:01
#NBA #trade #76ers #Clippers #includes #James #Harden
