Harden Trade: Sixers Add Draft Capital For Potential Secondary Deal in Future
After much speculation, James Harden is now officially a member of the LA Clippers. Just as he was set to join the Philadelphia 76ers on the court once again, he was dealt in a breaking news deal.
As first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, The Sixers are acquiring Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, multiple draft picks and a pick swap for James Harden, PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev.
While Morris, Batum and Covington have been in the NBA for quite some time, Martin (No. 52 in 2020 NBA Draft) and Petrusev (No. 50 in 2020 NBA Draft) are relatively new to the league.
What's most interesting about this deal is perhaps what happens next. Philadelphia certainly got deeper, but the detail around the picks the Sixers acquired could be significant. Philadelphia received a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks (2024 and 2029) and a pick swap from the Clippers, along with LA's 2026 first rounder (via OKC Thunder). That draft capital could be used for a secondary deal between now and February's trade deadline to push the deal forward and ensure Joel Embiid stays happy.
After all of the drama, the 76ers get the package that was originally sought out — with players that can help win now alongside significant draft capital.
As more information releases, Draft Digest will keep you updated.
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