James Harden hailed as 'one of the most prolific playmakers' as LA Clippers announce signing of 10-time NBA All-Star

James Harden’s trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the LA Clippers has been confirmed.

Harden is onto his fourth team in fifth seasons as his trade request has been fulfilled.

The trade sees him join the Clippers alongside PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev, while in return the 76ers get Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, KJ Martin, and several draft picks.

“James is one of the most prolific and efficient playmakers in the NBA," said Clippers president Lawrence Frank.

"With his size and vision, he possesses an extraordinary ability to create for himself and others."

Harden joins a star-studded roster that also features Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

“The Los Angeles area has produced so many elite players in recent years," added Frank.

“We’re excited to bring four of them together, and eager to see what they can accomplish with the rest of our group.”

The Sixers acquired Harden in 2022 but he was yet to play for the team in any of their three games this season.

Harden had said that he would not turn out for a franchise run by 76ers team president Daryl Morey, who he had called a “liar” earlier this year over a contract offer.

In October Harden added: “It’s not even about this situation. This is life.

“When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. When you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is sceptical over the role Harden will play on a loaded team.

“He’s another big-name guy, and the Clippers have been very iffy for the last four or five years,” O'Neal said on TNT Sports.

“We don't know who's going to be there and who's not going to be there.

“But if they don't win the championship, it's not going to work. They may win some games, but players of this calibre like Russell and James would like to have a championship under their belt.

“On paper, it looks good, but I don't know which Harden is going to show up or which Harden they want to show up? Do they want the scoring Harden or one that's going to be a facilitator?

“All of these guys on TV talk about what option he's going to be, and right now, he's the fourth option. We've never seen a fourth-option James Harden.

“He's the kind of guy that puts it between his legs, controls the ball and shoots. How are they going to use him? We're going to have to sit back and see how it works, but if they don't win a championship, it's a bust.”

Harden could make his debut for Clippers - who are currently fourth in the Western Conference - against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

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