James Harden’s trade request was finally granted early Tuesday morning as the Philadelphia 76ers agreed to trade him to the LA Clippers. NBA fans had been in a panic since Harden requested a trade out of Philly back in June. The drama hung like a cloud over the Sixers for the entire offseason, with the superstar even going as far as publicly calling Daryl Morey a liar.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN confirmed the Sixers traded Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers in exchange for Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, Marcus Morris, a pick swap, and multiple draft picks. Terance Mann, whom the Clippers reportedly did not want to include in a Harden deal, was not part of the trade sent to the 76ers.
The trade benefits both sides, with the Clippers getting their desired player and the Sixers able to turn their full attention to the season. With Harden’s extended departure saga finally resolved, each team can refocus on their respective goals for the coming year.
The 76ers will certainly feel relief as the weight of the ongoing drama is lifted, and the focus can return to their on-court performance. Meanwhile, the Clippers will hope James Harden’s arrival proves to be the push they need towards championship contention.
