National Basketball Association (NBA) star James Harden created controversy when he pushed for a trade away from the Philadelphia 76ers and eventually found a home with the Los Angeles Clippers.
As per the deal, the 76ers sent Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers in exchange for Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Kenyon Martin Jr., Marcus Morris, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, and a pick swap.
Additionally, another first-round pick will be acquired by the 76ers from a third team, although there is no indication of which team it is or the players involved to secure that asset.
It seems like Harden may be on the move once again as he approaches free agency this offseason. According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN, Harden will not make any decisions until he sees what happens with Paul George.
“With the domino of Paul George, one guy who is waiting to see what happens is James Harden. He wants to see if Paul George remains, how many years Paul George gets, because he wants to align himself along with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George,” Youngmisuk said in an appearance on NBA Today.
Recent reports indicate that George could opt into his $48.8 million player option for the 2024/25 NBA season, with the New York Knicks emerging as a major trade suitor. The Clippers had offered George a three-year, $149.7 million contract extension, similar to the one Kawhi Leonard signed in January, but George wants a better deal.
Noticias frescas de los CLIPPERS:
— Doble Ritmo (@DobleRitmoNBA) June 25, 2024
🗞️ Cada vez crece más el convencimiento de ver a Paul George FUERA de LA.
🚨 Knicks y Warriors son los principales interesados en los servicios de PG13.
⏳ James Harden no tomará ninguna decisión con la franquicia hasta ver avances claros en… pic.twitter.com/68Wql5TNpl
Many believed that the Clippers would become championship contenders after acquiring Harden. The Clippers lived up to the hype by winning the NBA Pacific Division with a 51-31 win-loss record but were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
While Harden and George performed well, the team’s fortunes were hampered by the fitness issues and health of Leonard, who could only appear in two playoff games due to a knee injury.
At this stage of his career, the 34-year-old will be looking to win that elusive NBA title he is yet to win. Harden was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2018 and is a 10-time NBA All-Star, but he will be desperate to win the league championship.
Staying with the Clippers offers him the best chance to achieve this goal. However, if Harden decides to leave, he would likely attract significant interest from multiple teams eager to add a veteran of his caliber to their roster.
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