James Harden Trade Breakdown: How the OKC Thunder Got Involved

The Thunder managed to emerge as a third team in the blockbuster trade of Harden from the Sixers to Clippers.

After several long months of a rocky relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden has finally been moved to his desired destination, the Clippers, in a three-team deal.

After the original report of Harden's departure from Philadelphia, there was still a mystery third team that was part of the deal but hadn't been brought to light. Hours later, it was reported that the Thunder acted as a third party to help get the deal across the line.

Draft compensation that the Clippers are sending Philadelphia in James Harden trade, per sources:

- 2026 LAC first-round pick via OKC
- 2028 LAC first-round pick
- Two second round picks
- One pick swap https://t.co/ApsFqTjZ9e

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 31, 2023

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski went on to report that the Thunder will receive a 2027 first-round pick swap for making the 2026 first rounder part of the deal. 

An important wrinkle in this transaction was that the pick that the Thunder are sending the Sixers will be the least favorable pick out of a few of the picks that the Thunder possess that year, according to Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports.

Oklahoma City helped facilitate the deal for a few reasons. 

Firstly, Harden's an expiring contract, meaning he could bolt as early as the upcoming summer in search of greener pastures. While both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George could technically opt into one-year deals to stay with the team, Harden's departure could send a ripple effect that makes OKC's stash that much better.

In addition, losing out on the least-favorable of three 2026 picks in nothing to potentially swap with the Clippers in 2027, who at that point may not have any of their star-studded players, and could be struggling to stay afloat with no real draft capital.

All in all, it's a no-risk, potentially high reward move for the Thunder.

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