Clippers Finally Acquire James Harden in Long-Awaited Blockbuster Trade — What Did the Sixers Receive?

James Harden - Philadelphia 76ers v Minnesota Timberwolves

(Photo : David Berding/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MN - James Harden (#1) of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on February 25, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The final piece of the numerous trade requests during the previous NBA offseason has been settled.

The Philadelphia 76ers have finally traded star guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in the early hours of Tuesday, October 31, according to league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

BREAKING: The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed on a trade to send guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/wAyuJKMfAw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2023

Aside from Harden, the Clippers are set to acquire forward PJ Tucker and big man Filip Petrusev in the transaction. In return, the Sixers will get forwards Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, and KJ Martin.

Additionally, the Clippers are sending out draft compensation to the Sixers, which includes a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a pick swap, and an additional future first-round pick from a third team.

To finalize the deal, the Sixers will be waiving guard Danny Green, as they require an additional spot on their roster with the acquisition of multiple players.

The 34-year-old has now been traded for the fourth time, equaling the record for the most trades by any former NBA MVP alongside Moses Malone, Bob McAdoo, and Russell Westbrook.

End of dramatic saga

Harden initially opted into his player option with the Sixers worth $35.6 million for the 2023-24 season at the end of last June, with the expectation of being traded.

However, Philadelphia backed out of trade talks, leading to tension between the front office and the player.

The extended period of uncertainty between the Sixers and Harden reached a climax with a widely publicized conflict involving team President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, with the ten-time NBA All-Star openly labeling the executive as "a liar" during an event in China last August.