5 ways the James Harden trade could backfire bigtime for the Clippers

By Tyler Key | Nov 1, 2023

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 29: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Wells Fargo Center on October 29, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Way #2: If the Clippers are a play-in team (or worse) this season due to injuries

James Harden’s first trade request came because he felt that the team around him was not good enough. Since that point, it seems like Harden cares less and less about winning a championship and more about his lifestyle and making as much money as possible before he retires.

Despite this, he may even hit a breaking point if the Clippers struggle to make the playoffs. They have already missed the playoffs once in the Leonard-George era in 2021-2022 due to repeated issues with injuries and the injury concerns haven’t really gone away either.

There is a world in which Leonard and George both miss 30+ games yet again and LAC instead becomes the Harden-Westbrook show 3.0. The Clippers’ depth is very solid but the Western Conference is a gauntlett and some good teams will inevitably miss the playoffs. There are only eight spots and there are arguably eleven teams who feel like they could make a legit playoff run in the West.

An additional wrinkle that not many are mentioning after the trade as well is that Harden himself may continue to deal with injuries. He has missed 79 games across the last three seasons and is also getting up there in age.

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