James Harden Clippers Debut: When Will Ex-MVP Land in LA and Be Game Ready? All the Post-Trade Details You Need to Know

James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers have finally put an end to the ongoing saga. They have fulfilled Harden’s long-standing desire for a trade, specifically to the Los Angeles Clippers. The eagerly awaited trade was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. As per initial reports, Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrusev are exiting the Sixers landscape. In return, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, and K.J. Martin will head to LA. Furthermore, Philly will get an unprotected (2028) first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 draft-pick swap, and an additional first-rounder (2026) from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, since Harden hasn’t played a professional game in months, numerous questions need addressing. At present, the most pressing question revolves around when he will make his debut for the Clippers.

When will James Haren make his Clippers debut?

James Harden will be absent from the Clippers’ game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. Much to the chagrin of fans who have eagerly awaited his trade, they will have to wait as there seems to be a brief waiting period. According to NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, some specific protocols and procedures must be followed before Harden can don the Clippers’ jersey.

According to Shelburne, various necessary details and particulars need to be addressed first. Once they are settled, the trade will have to be officially approved by the league office. Furthermore, all the players involved in the trade will undergo medical assessments. Given the significance of these processes, it’s improbable that Harden will be in action on Tuesday.

However, assuming everything goes smoothly, there is a possibility that Harden will suit up for Wednesday’s game against cross-town rivals the Los Angeles Lakers. If not, he may make his long-awaited debut in New York, as the Clippers have a four-day break that provides ample time for the required procedures to take place.

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Regardless, Harden might be present when the Clippers go head-to-head with Magic. However, he won’t be playing.

Behind the scene details on Harden’s trade

As reported by Chris Haynes, the talks between the two franchises had hit a temporary standstill at first. However, they resumed over the weekend. Due to the deal’s importance, the Sixers’ ownership got directly involved in the negotiations. Haynes also disclosed that before the trade was finalized, James Harden was slated to make his scrimmage debut for the Sixers. Furthermore, he confirms that Harden intends to be present for the game against the Orlando Magic in Los Angeles.

Furthermore, Haynes provided some insight into the rift between Harden and Philadelphia’s president, Daryl Morey. According to him, Morey had been out of contact with Harden for months, leading to miscommunication and mounting frustrations. On the other hand, Harden received praise from Sixers representatives for maintaining a high level of professionalism throughout the ordeal.

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Harden is now set to join the best team in his NBA career. He will team up with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and his former teammate Russell Westbrook. For the Sixers, the focus can now shift more toward on-court matters, as they look to capitalize on Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber performance from the previous season.