James Harden traded to LA Clippers as ugly saga finally over

One of the biggest stories of the NBA off-season has finally been resolved after the Philadelphia 76ers divorces their wantaway star.

Harden has got what he wanted. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Philadelphia’s James Harden era is officially over after the wantaway star was finally traded to the LA Clippers, ending an ugly chapter in the franchises’ history.

ESPN’s NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news of the spectacular divorce, who will now sport the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Harden.

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The trade will the Sixers get Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington and KJ Martin as well as a bag of picks, while James Harden, PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev will head to LA.

The picks the Clippers will send reportedly include a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks and a pick swap, as well as an additional future first-round pick from a third team, Wojnarowski reported.

The trade will see the Sixers waive veteran guard Danny Green to open a roster spot to complete the trade.

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

The Beard finally got what he wanted. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

It was a shock decision after Wojnarowski reported earlier in the week that the Clippers were set to pause their pursuit of the star.

Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Countdown, Wojnarowski reported that the Clippers had made “their best offer” and knew they were the only horse in the race.

“I’m told that with the start of the season now, at least for the foreseeable future, the Clippers are stepping back from these trade talks about James Harden — they are essentially pausing them,” Wojnarowski said.

“They have talked with Philadelphia for months about a trade. They’ve made their best offer for Harden, and they are now going to start their season and see what this team looks like with a healthy Kawhi Leonard, a healthy Paul George.

“Now, the Clippers may revisit this at some point. But they know they’re the only bidder for James Harden. They’re the only team that’s made a serious offer. They don’t want to bid against themselves.

“I think the Sixers have to wonder, ‘Have we already gotten the best offer we’re gonna get for James Harden?’ Especially as the games start to peel off the calendar. And if you’re the Clippers, why offer more when there are fewer and fewer games that James Harden can play for you?”

Harden had sat on the bench for Sunday’s 114-107 win over the Raptors, although he had reportedly participated in the 76ers’ pregame walkthrough and video session

Harden sat on the bench on Sunday. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

The Harden saga is over. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

Harden had only joined the 76ers in February 2022, where he made the monster move from the Nets, with Aussie Ben Simmons one of the players going the other way.

In July last year, Harden signed a $US68.6m ($A108m) deal over two years.

But it just got uglier from there as Harden spent the off-season angling for a trade.

In August, Harden turned the flamethrower on, unleashing a blistering rant at 76ers boss Daryl Morey.

“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organisation 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 organisation that he’s a part of,” he said.

Morey has been Harden’s boss for a total of 10 years in the NBA, while trading for him twice when with the Houston Rockets and now the Sixers.

Harden has not been on the court for the 76ers this season and reportedly security stopped him from getting on the plane ahead of the first match of the season.

Harden hadn’t practiced with the Sixers since October 15 but turned up at the team’s practice facility a day before the season opener after sitting out the pre-season.

Harden is a 10-time NBA All-Star, three-time scoring champion and 2018 MVP. He also has an Olympic gold medal from the London games.

However, the one thing he’s still missing from his mantle is a title.

Originally published as James Harden traded to LA Clippers as ugly saga finally over