Sixers unload disgruntled James Harden in blockbuster trade with Clippers
The 76ers acquired Harden at the 2022 trade deadline from Brooklyn
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and 10-time All-Star James Harden has seemingly come to an end.
A disgruntled Harden has been noticeably absent from the 76ers lineup to start the 2023 NBA season following a trade request and his public criticism of 76ers president Daryl Morey, whom he called a "liar."
James Harden, #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers, dribbles the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2023 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
"Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of," Harden vowed in August.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}JAMES HARDEN'S ABSENCE FROM 76ERS' SEASON-OPENER PROMPTS NBA INVESTIGATION
Months later, Harden’s request was granted.
Sources told ESPN that Harden, along with PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev, were dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade that saw Philadelphia acquire a number of draft picks, including a first round pick from a third team, and Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum and KJ Martin.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Clippers were Harden’s early favorites when trade talks first began over the summer. Those conversations fell through, but according to the report, they resumed over the weekend and a deal was reached late Monday night.
Philadelphia 76ers' James Harden, #1, reacts past Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart during the second half of Game 4 in an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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Harden sat on the bench alongside teammates during Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his third-straight missed game. The team cited his need to "ramp up" conditioning.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sources close to Harden told ESPN that the former Houston Rockets star is "ecstatic" over the reported trade.
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Kyrie Irving, #11, and James Harden, #13 of the Brooklyn Nets, talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 1, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Harden, who picked up his $35.6 million contract option in June with the belief the team would trade him, was acquired by the 76ers at the 2022 trade deadline from Brooklyn.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He is now preparing to play for his fifth NBA team.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.