LA Clippers acquire James Harden on June 6, 2025, forming a new big three with Kawhi Leonard & Paul George. This blockbuster trade boosts championship hopes. Read more!
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Clipper Nation, hold onto your hats! June 6th, 2025, will go down in franchise history as the day the LA Clippers officially welcomed James Harden to the squad. This blockbuster trade, weeks in the making, has sent shockwaves through the NBA and instantly elevates the Clippers' championship aspirations. Get ready for a whole new level of offensive firepower in Inglewood!
James Harden is a Clipper! The Beard is bringing his elite scoring and playmaking to LA, reshaping the Western Conference landscape.
The whispers became reality today as the Clippers pulled off a dramatic multi-team trade to bring James Harden to Los Angeles. Known for his offensive genius, 'The Beard' is expected to inject a massive dose of scoring and playmaking into the lineup, forming a potentially lethal trio alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. While the full details of the trade are still emerging, the message from the front office is crystal clear: the Clippers are all-in on contending for a title. The coaching staff now faces the exciting challenge of integrating Harden's unique talents into the existing system. Adding to the day's excitement, adidas strategically dropped the Harden Vol 9 'JDUB' colorway, perfectly timed with his arrival and giving fans another reason to celebrate.
While the Harden trade dominates the headlines, it's a crucial piece of a larger offseason puzzle. Following a second consecutive 50-win season (50-32 record in 2024-25) but a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers are laser-focused on retooling. Armed with the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, estimated at around $14.1 million, the team is reportedly targeting two key areas: a reliable backup point guard and a strong rim-protecting center. Names like free agent guard Malcolm Brogdon have been floated, and for the center position, Clint Capela, Kevon Looney, Andre Drummond, and Precious Achiuwa are reportedly on the Clippers' radar. This strategic approach also means evaluating the future of current backup center Drew Eubanks and buyout signing Ben Simmons, who struggled to provide consistent interior defense.
The urgency to capitalize on the current championship window is palpable. Radio host Adam Auslund recently discussed the Clippers' direction, emphasizing Kawhi Leonard's central role and the team's need to maximize their opportunities after another early playoff departure. The acquisition of James Harden directly addresses this, injecting elite talent and raising the stakes. Integrating a player of Harden's stature alongside Leonard and George will be a fascinating process, but it's a challenge the team must embrace to reach their ultimate goal. The early playoff exit clearly spurred the organization into action, and this bold move for Harden underscores their commitment to building a true contender.
The arrival of James Harden has undeniably supercharged the Clippers' offseason and set the stage for an electrifying 2025-26 campaign. The focus now shifts to roster refinement and building chemistry. One thing's for sure: the Clippers are making bold moves, and the journey to a championship just got a whole lot more interesting. Stay tuned, Clipper Nation, this is just the beginning!
