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Is James Harden’s Trade to Clippers Official? ‘The Beard’ and PJ Tucker Sharing Locker Room With Russell Westbrook Raises Eyebrows

Published 10/31/2023, 10:17 PM EDT

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NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news on Tuesday about James Harden being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The blockbuster trade includes 7 players and multiple draft picks. But neither the Philadelphia 76ers nor the Los Angeles Clippers have made an official announcement about the trade.

James Harden’s actions prior to the Clippers game against the Orlando Magic raised even more questions. The Beard, along with his Philly teammate PJ Tucker, shared the locker room with Russell Westbrook and Co, leaving the NBA world wondering if the trade was already official.

James Harden and PJ Tucker’s actions raise eyebrows

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Although the Clippers and the 76ers have not made any official announcement about the James Harden trade, that did not stop The Beard from making his way to the Clippers’ locker room. Kawhi Leonard and Co are ready to take on the Orlando Magic on Halloween Day, and their potentially new teammates, James Harden and PJ Tucker, paid them a visit ahead of the game.

LA Times reporter Brad Turner revealed, “James Harden and PJ Tucker both sitting in Clippers locker room pregame. And trade still not official. But soon.”

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Harden and Tucker’s actions raised many eyebrows as they further solidified the trade reports. It seems like the only thing left now is an official announcement from both teams.

According to Woj, the Clippers will receive James Harden, PJ Tucker, and Filip Petrusev in exchange for Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, and multiple draft picks.

James Harden trade is a win-win situation for both teams

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Once the James Harden trade becomes official, it will potentially be a win-win situation for both teams. The Los Angeles Clippers receive a former MVP who is still playing at an elite level and more importantly, wants to play for them. They also get former Champion PJ Tucker, who is a veteran in the league and has Championship experience to help the Clippers succeed.

James Harden Clippers Debut: When Will Ex-MVP Land in LA and Be Game Ready? All the Post-Trade Details You Need to Know

The trade is a positive sign for the Philadelphia 76ers as well. They can finally get past the James Harden trade drama that has haunted them for months and focus on their goal of winning a title. Philly will receive a decent trade package in exchange for The Beard that secures their present as well as their future. Batum, Morris, Covington, and Martin are talented and experienced role players who can help Joel Embiid make a run for the Championship. They also get multiple draft picks that will secure their future in case things do not work out with the reigning MVP.

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Even though it took months to make the trade happen, both James Harden and Daryl Morey will be satisfied with the outcome.

Watch This Story: Staring Down the Barrel of $1.5 Million Blow, James Harden’s “Unexcused Absence” Is “Only the Beginning” in 76ers Drama, per Veteran Analyst

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Written by:

Rohan Bhaunt

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Rohan is an NBA Content Writer at EssentiallySports. He is a state-level basketball player and has been a fan of the NBA for over a decade. This allows him to deep dive into the sport and provide a fresh outlook.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor