James Harden: The Enduring Enigma – Two Years After the Clippers Trade

TORONTO, January 16, 2026 – Nearly two and a half years have passed since the Los Angeles Clippers executed a blockbuster trade to acquire 10-time All-Star James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers. The move, finalized in November 2023, was meant to catapult the Clippers into championship contention. As the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds, Harden continues to post elite numbers, yet the ultimate question persists: how will we remember the career of “The Beard”?

The Franchise-Altering Trade

On November 1, 2023, the Clippers acquired Harden, veteran forward P.J. Tucker, and centre Filip Petrusev from the Philadelphia 76ers. In return, Philadelphia received a package centred on expiring contracts and future draft capital: Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, K.J. Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap, and an additional first-round pick facilitated through the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The trade ended a protracted and public standoff between Harden and 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. Harden, who had exercised a $35.6 million USD player option that summer with the expectation of a trade, famously called Morey “a liar” during an event in China, severing their long-standing professional relationship. The Clippers, seeking a final piece for their core of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, finally secured their man.

Harden’s Sustained Excellence in Los Angeles

Now in his third season with the Clippers, the 36-year-old Harden has defied age-related decline. Through the 2025-26 campaign, he remains a premier offensive engine, averaging 25.6 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His game log from January 2026 alone showcases his enduring class, including a 32-point, 10-assist performance against Charlotte and a 31-point outing versus Brooklyn.

He has continued to climb all-time lists, recently surpassing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s career scoring list and solidifying his position as the second-greatest three-point shooter in history, behind only Stephen Curry.

Key Facts & Career Timeline

The Unresolved Legacy Debate

Despite individual brilliance, Harden’s career is often framed by what he hasn’t accomplished: an NBA championship. His playoff history includes several infamous late-series struggles, and he has now lost Game 7 with four different franchises (Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers). A May 2025 first-round exit to Denver, after which Harden left without addressing media, reignited criticism about his playoff performance and accountability.

This narrative clashes with the perspective of former teammates and insiders who describe a relentless worker dedicated to his craft. The dichotomy defines Harden’s story: a regular-season virtuoso and offensive system unto himself, whose style has yet to translate to the ultimate postseason success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the 76ers get for trading James Harden?

Philadelphia received role players on expiring contracts (Morris, Covington, Batum, Martin) and significant future draft assets, including a 2028 unprotected first-round pick. The primary goal was to clear long-term salary and acquire tradeable draft capital for future moves, which they have utilised to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

Is James Harden a Hall of Famer?

Unequivocally, yes. His resume—an MVP award, three scoring titles, over 25,000 career points, and 11 All-Star selections—guarantees enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The debate centres not on *if* he gets in, but on his final standing among the game’s all-time greats.

How has Harden fit with the Clippers’ other stars?

The fit has been offensively potent but inconsistent. While Harden has served as a primary playmaker, allowing Leonard and George to focus on scoring, questions about defensive intensity, playoff reliability, and “too many chefs in the kitchen” have persisted. The Clippers have been contenders but have not broken through to the NBA Finals with this core.

What is next for James Harden?

At 36, Harden shows no signs of immediate retirement. He remains under contract with the Clippers for the 2026-27 season. His focus, as it has been for the latter part of his career, is squarely on capturing the elusive championship that would redefine his complex legacy.