Sources – Clippers sign James Harden in blockbuster 76ers deal

The 76ers sent Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev to the Clippers in exchange for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, an unprotected 2028 first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap and an additional first-round pick that sources told ESPN would be headed. From a third team.

The Clippers and a third team were still finalizing those details late Monday night, sources said.

The Sixers are waiving veteran guard Danny Green to create roster space for the trade, sources said.

The Clippers signed Harden to join All-Star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, in addition to guard Russell Westbrook, who played alongside Harden with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. The Clippers and Sixers have been discussing a Harden trade since July, and finally completed an agreement late Monday night.

The Clippers and 76ers began talking again about a trade over the weekend as it became increasingly impossible for Harden to be integrated back into the Sixers’ lineup, sources said.

The Sixers wanted two first-round picks out of the Harden deal, and believe those assets — along with second-round picks and a pick swap — give them a chance to pursue another high-profile point guard in a trade to partner with MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey this season.

Harden is “ecstatic” to be going to the Clippers and hopes to travel to Los Angeles as soon as possible, sources close to him told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. There is a possibility that he could be in attendance Tuesday night for the Clippers’ home game against the Orlando Magic.

Harden, 34, asked to leave Philadelphia in June when he accepted a player option worth $35.6 million for the 2023-2024 season. During a promotional appearance in China in August, he called 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey a “liar” several times, and admitted earlier this month upon his return to the team that their relationship was beyond repair.

Harden has yet to play for Philadelphia this season, though he was on the bench with his teammates during Sunday’s game, wearing jeans and a green jacket, after participating in the 76ers’ pregame walkthrough and video session. He was expected to participate in team training on Tuesday at the team’s facility in Camden, New Jersey.

Harden, who grew up in Southern California and starred at Artesia High School in Lakewood, has expressed a desire to be traded to the Clippers.

Harden has been one of the league’s best players over the past decade, winning three scoring titles and the 2018 league MVP award. He led the league in assists last season.

The 76ers (2-1) will then play against the Raptors on Thursday, while the Clippers (2-1) will host the Magic on Tuesday before facing the Lakers on Wednesday.