The NBA world was stunned on Monday night when ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Philadelphia 76ers had agreed to trade James Harden to the LA Clippers. The deal ends a long and tumultuous saga that began in June, when Harden opted into the final year of his contract with the Houston Rockets and requested a trade to the Clippers.
According to Wojnarowski, the Clippers are sending Paul George, Luke Kennard, Ivica Zubac, Terance Mann, and four future first-round picks to the 76ers in exchange for Harden and Danny Green. The trade also involves a third team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are receiving Patrick Beverley, Rajon Rondo, and a second-round pick from the Clippers, and sending George Hill and Mike Muscala to the 76ers.
The trade is a massive gamble for both teams, who are hoping to improve their chances of winning a championship this season. The Clippers are adding one of the best scorers and playmakers in the league, who averaged 25.2 points and 10.9 assists last season with the Rockets. Harden will reunite with his former coach Tyronn Lue, who was an assistant in Houston from 2011 to 2013, and form a formidable trio with Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka.
The 76ers are parting ways with their second-best player, who was an All-Star and an All-NBA selection last season. George averaged 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with the Clippers, and was expected to be a key piece of their title contention. However, the 76ers are getting back a proven star in return, who can complement Joel Embiid’s dominant inside game with his outside shooting and defense. George is also reunited with his former coach Doc Rivers, who led him to the best season of his career in 2018-19 with the Thunder.
The reaction from the players and fans
The trade sent shockwaves across the NBA community, as players and fans reacted to the news on social media. Harden posted a farewell message to Philadelphia on his Instagram account, thanking the fans and the organization for their support.
“Philly, you welcomed me with open arms from day one,” Harden wrote. “You showed me love and respect that I will never forget. You pushed me to be better every day, on and off the court. You made me a better player, a better leader, a better person. I’m grateful for the time we spent together, the memories we made, the battles we fought. I wish you nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for everything.”
George also expressed his gratitude to Los Angeles on his Instagram account, saying that he enjoyed playing for the Clippers and that he will always have love for the city.
“LA, you were good to me,” George wrote. “You gave me a chance to play for a great franchise, with great teammates, great coaches, great fans. You gave me a home away from home, a place where I felt comfortable and happy. You gave me an opportunity to compete for a championship, something I’ve always dreamed of. I appreciate everything you did for me and my family. I will always have love for you.”
Leonard welcomed Harden to the Clippers with a simple tweet: “Let’s get it bro @JHarden13 #ClipperNation”
Embiid also tweeted his excitement about playing with George: “Welcome to Philly @Yg_Trece #TrustTheProcess”
The fans of both teams had mixed reactions to the trade, as some were ecstatic about their new acquisitions, while others were sad or angry about losing their favorite players.
“Harden is finally free from Morey’s tyranny! He’s going to light it up with Kawhi and Ibaka! Clippers are winning it all this year! #HardenToLA” – @ClipperFan4Life
“I can’t believe we traded PG for Harden! PG was loyal to us, he wanted to be here! Harden is a selfish chucker who can’t play defense or win in the playoffs! We just ruined our chemistry and culture! #FireBalmer” – @ClipperHater69
“George is exactly what we needed! A versatile wing who can score from anywhere, defend multiple positions, and create for others! He and Embiid are going to dominate the East! #PhillyForever” – @SixersFanatic
“How could we trade Harden for George? Harden is a generational talent, a MVP candidate every year! George is a choker who disappears in big moments! We just wasted Embiid’s prime! #FireMorey” – @SixersSuck
The implications for the league
The trade has major implications for the balance of power in the NBA, as both teams are expected to be among the top contenders in their respective conferences. The Clippers are hoping that Harden can help them overcome their disappointing exit in the second round of the playoffs last season, when they blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets. The 76ers are hoping that George can help them reach the Finals for the first time since 2001, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The trade also affects the other teams in the league, who will have to adjust to the new landscape. The Lakers, who are the defending champions and the favorites to repeat, will have to face a tougher challenge from their cross-town rivals, who now have three All-Stars on their roster. The Nets, who are the favorites to win the East, will have to deal with a more formidable foe in the 76ers, who now have two All-Stars and a deep bench. The other contenders, such as the Bucks, the Suns, the Jazz, and the Warriors, will also have to raise their level of play to compete with the new super teams.
The trade also has implications for the future of the league, as both Harden and George have player options for the 2024-25 season, meaning they can become free agents in 2024. If they decide to stay with their new teams, they could form long-term partnerships with Leonard and Embiid, respectively. If they decide to leave, they could create another wave of free agency frenzy, as they would be among the most coveted players on the market.
The trade is one of the biggest in NBA history, and it will have a lasting impact on the league for years to come. It will be fascinating to see how it plays out on the court, and how it affects the fortunes of both teams and players involved.
