{"id":57841,"date":"2023-10-31T09:49:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T13:49:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=57841"},"modified":"2023-10-31T16:16:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T20:16:24","slug":"what-the-james-harden-trade-means-for-the-clippers-and-76ers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/10\/31\/what-the-james-harden-trade-means-for-the-clippers-and-76ers\/","title":{"rendered":"What the James Harden Trade Means for the Clippers and 76ers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Four months after his initial trade request, James Harden got what he wanted. The ten-time All Star is heading to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade announced early Tuesday morning.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Final trade: <\/p>\n<p>Clippers receive:<br \/>James Harden<br \/> PJ Tucker <\/p>\n<p>76ers receive: <br \/>Nicolas Batum<br \/>Marcus Morris<br \/>Robert Covington <br \/>KJ Martin<br \/>draft picks <\/p>\n<p>(Via Shams) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/TJeZlP3o2p\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/TJeZlP3o2p<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheDunkCentral\/status\/1719243473226784975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 31, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charania also noted that the Sixers are also receiving a 2026 first-round pick (via OKC), a 2028 first-round pick, two second-rounders and a pick swap from LA.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What the James Harden Trade Means for the Clippers and 76ers<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>The Clippers\u2019 Perspective<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Clippers finally landed their top combo guard to join <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leonaka01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Kawhi Leonard<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reunite him with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Russell Westbrook<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgpa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Paul George<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They\u2019re now even more stacked on the offensive side, with Harden potentially thriving as a scorer and facilitator next to the other three stars. His ability to shift roles and leave the scoring to others has proven relatively well in the past, but he\u2019s embracing a new opportunity in LA. The Athletic\u2019s Law Murray also noted that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\/5016123\/2023\/10\/31\/james-harden-trade-76ers-clippers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harden could serve as \u201cinsurance\u201d<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should Westbrook miss time with an injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another win for the Clippers was successfully keeping <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mannte01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Terance Mann<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> out of negotiations with the Sixers. The 27-year-old is recovering from an ankle injury, but he will maintain his prominent role even with Harden joining the team.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defensively, the addition of Harden now adds to the matchup nightmare for opponents, who previously had to worry about George and Leonard on the perimeter. Harden\u2014though previously criticized for his lackluster effort on that end\u2014could serve as a respectable defender next to PG and Kawhi. But once the Clippers force a turnover, the opponents better watch out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The acquisitions of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tuckepj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>PJ Tucker<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/petrufi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Filip Petrusev<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appear minor for now, but both of them could be asked to contribute a decent amount off the bench this season. This holds true more for Tucker, who is now the team\u2019s only other forward next to George, Leonard and Mann. Aside from that, it\u2019ll be business as usual for the rest of the Clippers\u2019 bench, as Westbrook, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/powelno01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Norman Powell<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/plumlma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Mason Plumlee<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> continue to positively impact the team.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On paper, a 1-4 lineup of Westbrook, Harden, Leonard and George is enough to terrorize opponents beyond Halloween. Whether this team can break the previous curses of injuries and early playoff exits, however, is another story.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The 76ers\u2019 Perspective<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Sixers received a plethora of forwards and picks to get rid of Harden, adding to their future assets and current frontcourt depth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/morrima03.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Marcus Morris Sr.<\/strong><\/a> has a chance to be an active player off the bench for Philly. Though he drew the ire of most Clippers fans, Morris&#8217;s last season with LA was productive. He started all 65 games he played and averaged 11.2 points on .426\/.364\/.782 splits. Though he&#8217;ll have to share opportunities with fellow Clippers, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/oubreke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/strong><\/a>, Morris could make a positive impact early on for Nick Nurse.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/batumni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Nicolas Batum<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/covinro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Robert Covington<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enhance the Sixers\u2019 sharpshooting. Philadelphia sat atop of the leaderboard in three-point percentage last season at 38.7%. Adding two perimeter marksmen significantly bolsters their offense. Last season, both players averaged six points per game but shot 39% from distance. They\u2019ll be able to help improve Philly\u2019s bench scoring mark (16.6 PPG, 21st in the NBA last season) and three-point percentage (37.1%, 7th).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/martike04.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>KJ Martin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/nwnL-0KZs7o?si=NRxPGDoujqOINQMC\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">athletic boost<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> off the bench for Philly. The 22-year-old forward had a career year with the Clippers last season. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game on 57% shooting from the field and 31% from three. Martin will back up <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/harrito02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Tobias Harris<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at the wing, able to generate plenty of points in the paint and serve as a high-flying threat on fast breaks. Martin has also shown an ability to stretch the floor, but time will tell if his perimeter jumper gains consistency in a new system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>What&#8217;s Next for Philly?<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, Daryl Morey put together a good supporting cast around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/embiijo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Joel Embiid<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/maxeyty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Tyrese Maxey<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the latter of whom is more than ready to take the reins now that Harden is gone. However, questions rightfully linger over whether this team is good enough to compete in a loaded Eastern Conference, even with the reigning MVP sticking around for three more years. Still, the Sixers may not be done dealing just yet. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\/5016256\/2023\/10\/31\/sixers-trade-james-harden-joel-embiid-daryl-morey\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Sam Amick<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the first phase of Morey\u2019s post-Harden plan is complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Last Word on the James Harden Trade<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Clippers emerged as winners of the Harden blockbuster, upgrading their roster with offensive firepower despite moving on from rotational contributors. Philadelphia, on the other hand, added three solid forwards and secured their future regardless of what\u2019s next. How both of these teams fare going forward remains to be seen, but they\u2019ve made a trade that will help them hold their own in two tough conferences.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Four months after his initial trade request, James Harden got what he wanted. The ten-time All Star is heading to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster trade announced early Tuesday morning. Final trade: Clippers receive:James Harden PJ Tucker 76ers receive: Nicolas BatumMarcus MorrisRobert Covington KJ Martindraft picks (Via Shams) pic.twitter.com\/TJeZlP3o2p &mdash; NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4265,"featured_media":50058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,27,62,13],"tags":[1107,444,369,202,1382,282,2282,1535],"class_list":["post-57841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-clippers","category-nba","category-76ers","tag-daryl-morey","tag-james-harden","tag-marcus-morris","tag-nba-news","tag-nba-trade","tag-nicolas-batum","tag-pj-tucker","tag-robert-covington"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57841"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57841\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}