Topline:
The Los Angeles Clippers have made it official: Former MVP James Harden is joining the team after a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
What's in the deal? Along with Harden, the Clippers also received P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev. But the organization also traded Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, KJ Martin and multiple draft picks, including a first-rounder.
What the Clippers are saying: Lawrence Frank, the Clippers president of basketball operations, called James one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the league. "With his size and vision, he possesses an extraordinary ability to create for himself and others. The Los Angeles area has produced so many elite players in recent years. With Kawhi, Paul, Russ and James, we're excited to bring four of them together, and eager to see what they can accomplish with the rest of our group."
The impact: Harden joins Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, giving the Clippers one of the strongest teams in a crowded Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers have made it official: Former MVP James Harden is joining the team after a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Along with Harden, the Clippers also received P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrušev. But the organization also traded Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, KJ Martin and multiple draft picks, including a first-rounder.
The deal marks a homecoming for the 34 year-old shooting guard. Harden played for Artesia High School in Lakewood. He joins Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, giving the Clippers one of the strongest teams in a crowded Western Conference and a strong local connection. George played at Knight High in Palmdale and Westbrook played at UCLA and Leuzinger High School in Lawndale. Kawhi Leonard played for Riverside's King High School.
The reaction to Harden's arrival hasn't been subtle on social media:
Even the players have some thoughts:
Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations for the Clippers, called Harden one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the league.
"With his size and vision, he possesses an extraordinary ability to create for himself and others," Frank said. "The Los Angeles area has produced so many elite players in recent years. With Kawhi, Paul, Russ and James, we're excited to bring four of them together, and eager to see what they can accomplish with the rest of our group."
The Clippers play the Lakers on Wednesday night, but Harden is not expected to suit up until Monday against the Knicks.
