James Harden debut teased by LA Clippers president in trade admission
James Harden could make his LA Clippers debut in New York next week following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Reports first emerged on Tuesday that an agreement had been reached between the Clippers and the Sixers for the 10-time NBA All-Star. Harden had been linked with a trade away from the City of Brotherly Love ever since the conclusion of last season, where Philadelphia lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Harden signed the $35.6million (£29.3m) player option in his contract to remain with the Sixers for the 2023/24 season. Soon afterwards, the 34-year-old submitted a trade request with the Clippers deemed the most likely destination. Now the Clippers have confirmed the trade to acquire Harden from the Sixers. As part of the trade, Philadelphia will receive several draft picks, while the Clippers are also acquiring veteran forward P.J. Tucker.
READ MORE: NBA trade tracker: Latest news as 76ers pivot to new targets after sending Harden to LA
Upon announcing the trade, Clippers president Lawrence Frank has outlined the reasons behind wanting to bring Harden to Los Angeles. The Clippers president highlighted the potential partnership with the existing members of the roster - Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook - as an exciting prospect for the franchise.
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“James is one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the NBA,” Frank said, via the . “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.”
Now that Harden has been confirmed as a Clippers player, attention will soon turn to when the point guard will make his debut. It was reported by that the target for the franchise is to have Harden on the court on Monday night for the road game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
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On Tuesday, despite the trade not yet being confirmed by the Clippers, Harden, as well as Tucker, were in attendance at the Crypto.com Arena for the game against the Orlando Magic. Harden was greeted by his new teammates as he made his way to the locker room, as he began the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Frank was also in the loading dock at the arena in Los Angeles to greet both Harden and Tucker upon their arrival Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was also spotted greeting the duo as they exited an SUV.
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