After months and months of drama, former Arizona State star James Harden has finally been traded away from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 76ers have agreed to trade Harden to his preferred destination in the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
BREAKING: The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed on a trade to send guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/wAyuJKMfAw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2023
The full details:
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
After opting into his player option over the summer in hopes that he would be traded, the day has finally come less than a week into the NBA season.
James Harden: “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of. Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” pic.twitter.com/AmHJ0WwbF2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 14, 2023
Since training camp started, Harden attended very few practices and was not allowed to travel with the team to their season opener. He did attend Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers on the 76ers’ bench.
This is now the third time that Harden has forced his way off of a team after seemingly being a loyal player during a long stretch of time in Houston, where Morey ran the team.
Harden played with the Rockets from 2012 to 2021, becoming one of the best players in franchise history, averaging 29.6 points, 7.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 621 games for them and winning MVP in 2018. His tenure came to an abrupt end in January 2021 after Harden demanded a trade, and his wish was granted, as he joined the Nets alongside the likes of Irving and Kevin Durant.
When his time on the Nets did not pan out how he wanted, Harden requested and was granted a trade to the 76ers in February 2022 in large part because he wanted to play for Morey.
Harden and the 76ers were eliminated in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs this year, but Harden had two 40-point games during the series. Now, before playing another game with the team, Harden ends up on the Clippers.
Harden is known to be the best player to ever come out of Arizona State. After playing two seasons at ASU from 2007-2009 and averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists, Harden was drafted third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009.
He now lands back in the Western Conference to play alongside Russell Westbrook on a third different team.
The duo, both from Los Angeles, also has two other California legends in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard alongside them on the Clippers.
Do you think the Clippers got better or worse?
James Harden says he will “never” be a part of an organization with Daryl Morey
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
