Inside The Wizards

Washington Wizards Eastern Conference Rival Makes Blockbuster Trade

Washington Wizards rival Philadelphia 76ers trade guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal.
Gage Sheets|
Washington Wizards Eastern Conference Rival Makes Blockbuster Trade
Washington Wizards Eastern Conference Rival Makes Blockbuster Trade

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Washington WizardsPhiladelphia 76ersLos Angeles Clippers

The Washington Wizards have one less thing to be worried about after the rival Philadelphia 76ers traded their disgruntled guard James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers in a middle-of-the-night blockbuster.

This trade had been brewing for months ever since a viral video of Harden came out calling Philadelphia GM Daryl Morey a liar but seemed to pick up steam this weekend with it becoming pretty clear to everyone in the league he wasn't making it back into the lineup.

The 76ers are getting back forward Marcus Morris, forward Nic Batum, forward Robert Covington, forward KJ Martin and multiple draft picks for Harden, forward P.J. Tucker and forward Filip Petrusev.

As far as the Eastern Conference and the Wizards are concerned it seems this trade weakens Philadelphia's chances to be a championship contender this year.

But don't be so fast to write them off, as it seems they were more willing to trade Harden with the rise of guard Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey sure made it easier for the 76ers to part ways with Harden after his explosive start over three games this season where he has averaged 30.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.

This may seem like a loss on the surface for Philadelphia, but it looks more like an addition by subtraction than anything.

The 76ers also recovered enough assets in this trade with two first-round picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap that they could swing these for another player to match up with Maxey and former MVP center Joel Embiid.

We will have to wait and see how this could affect the Wizards moves going forward especially towards the trade deadline.

Washington could have intriguing pieces available to move if Philadelphia is looking.

Plus, the draft picks the 76ers acquired are very appealing for a team, like the Wizards, in a rebuild.

As for Harden he now returns home to Los Angeles to team up with forward Kawhi Leonard, forward Paul George and guard Russell Westbrook.

This trade makes the Clippers a dangerous team with lots of firepower in a loaded Western Conference, and they are now looking like a squad ready to make a deep playoff run.

Since winning MVP in 2018 Harden has now been traded three times and four times overall in his career which is tied for the most ever for a former MVP. He will look to finally settle down in his home city and help Los Angeles bring home it's first NBA championship.

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Gage Sheets
GAGE SHEETS

Gage is entering his first season covering the Washington Wizards and brings a lifetime of passion for sports with him. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a proud husband and father of two. You can follow or reach out to Gage on X @SheetsG23

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