With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
James Harden Officially Joins The Los Angeles Clippers And The Reaction Was Anything But Subtle On Social Media
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:
JAMES HARDEN HAS BEEN TRADED TO THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 🤯🤯
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 31, 2023
pic.twitter.com/nMa6MuwOQQ
Even the players have some thoughts:
Draymond Green On The James Harden Trade! 🗣️
— Charlie (@DP0YMOND) November 1, 2023
(@NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/O7dMJrEXSL
The 76ers: “See you on Wednesday at practice.”
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) October 18, 2023
James Harden: pic.twitter.com/EvkWXOmL1a
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.