Rival Exec on James Harden Trade: Clippers ‘Feeling the Pressure’

The Clippers were able to pull off a deal for James Harden after he put them at the top of their wish list when he demanded a trade from the 76ers.

And it was a move that some around the league feel the Clippers were determined to make, per a story from Andrew Grief of the LA Times. Even with star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers may have felt as if they were spinning their wheels.

“Don’t want to call it a desperate move,” one rival executive said, via Grief. “But I think they are feeling the pressure.”

Meanwhile, an opposing scout suggested he isn’t quite sure what to think of the deal. 

“This something that can go two, three different ways, but a motivated Harden is a good Harden,” the scout said, via Grief. “I think we’ll get a hard-playing James. Now when the playoffs come, that’s always interesting how he regresses. But I think we’ll see some big-game James in the coming months.”

Harden, 34, will team with former running-mate Russell Westbrook in the Clippers backcourt. So it will be Harden, Westbrook, George and Leonard, and likely Ivica Zubac at center. 

“It’s going to work on the basketball court because Harden’s playing style can play with anybody,” another scout said, via Grief. “It’s more, can it work with all their egos and health? Can they all be on the court at the same time? If they are, then it’s dynamic.”