James Harden is the NBA’s Hot Potato

11/01/2023 James Harden is the NBA’s Hot Potato

By: Jeff Yoder

Clippers Acquire James Harden, And That Makes 4 Teams in 4 Years for ‘The Beard’

One of the most iconic beards in all of sports has become a staple image for one of the NBA’s all-time craftiest scorers. But behind that security blanket of facial hair lies a devious persona. James Harden has put together some of the most unbelievable scoring seasons in NBA history, becoming a case study in utilizing the free-throw line and manipulating defenders into the wrong positions. He’s also put together some of the worst franchise exits and manipulated front-office execs for years.

 

Harden averaged 29+ points per game for five consecutive seasons with the Rockets (2015-2020), but there has been a never-ending barrage of episodes since. Early Tuesday morning, the Clippers finalized a blockbuster deal to snag ‘The Beard’ just three games into the season. That’s not normal, but it’s becoming routine for Harden.

 

Trade Details

  • Clippers Get: James Harden, PJ Tucker, Filip Petrusev
  • 76ers Get: Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin & 4 Future Draft Picks

The move instantly signals that the Clippers have no future draft capital in the next five years. All four of their stars (Harden, Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard) are 32 years or older. But here’s the real question:

 

Why on earth is someone as talented as James Harden getting passed around the league so frequently? Age is one factor, but Harden’s off-the-court drama has been a roller-coaster, and he’s leaving destruction in his wake. Harden demanded a trade from the Rockets in 2020, and he said he’d only play for the Nets alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Brooklyn eventually sent him to Philly when they blew up that super-team. After a volatile summer with GM Daryl Morey, he weaseled his way out of the situation in Philadelphia in another unprofessional showcase.

 

Harden joined the Clippers last night when they hosted the Magic but didn’t play. Los Angeles beat Orlando (118-102) to improve to 3-1. If we get vintage James Harden, the Clippers have a chance to do something special. If not, the Clipper curse will continue.

 

Read More

Yahoo! Sports: James Harden Traded to Clippers After Turbulent Summer With 76ers

The Ringer: Will the James Harden Trade Be a Win-Win or an Era-Ending Domino?

SI: Zach LaVine Headlines Potential Sixers Targets Post-James Harden Trade

 

Image via Giphy