James Harden was traded from the 76ers to the Clippers in the overnight hours Tuesday morning, along with veteran P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrusev in exchange for Nic Batum, Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, K.J. Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round draft pick, two second-round selections and a pick swap, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
With the saga surrounding its star guard coming to a close, the 76ers now are tasked with retooling the roster around reigning MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey. Newly equipped with draft capital and movable assets, Philadelphia plans to pursue a “high-level guard” to add to its roster, per Wojnarowski.
The 76ers still are expected to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference this season, but their roster will look much different with Harden shipped out to Los Angeles. After a tumultuous summer in Philadelphia, the franchise now can move forward and compete with players who want to be in the City of Brotherly Love.
Philadelphia is off to a 2-1 start this season after defeating Portland 126–98 on Sunday. The 76ers’ next game is scheduled for Thursday at home against the Raptors at 7 p.m. ET.
