Harden Returns to Brooklyn, Sporting New Clippers Uniform
James Harden is making his highly anticipated return to Brooklyn, this time dressed in the colors of the Los Angeles Clippers. The star guard, who recently joined the Clippers in a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, is set to play his second game with his new team at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
Harden’s previous stint in Brooklyn was marked with turbulence, as his time with the Nets ended on a sour note. Like his departure from Philadelphia, his time with the Nets also involved a trade request from the disgruntled 10-time All-Star.
Upon joining the Clippers, Harden now joins forces with the formidable duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, creating a star-studded roster that also includes Russell Westbrook. This echoes the ill-fated Big Three era of Brooklyn basketball, when the Nets acquired Harden in January 2021 to complement the talents of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
In exchange for Harden, the Nets traded away rising center Jarrett Allen, reliable scorer Caris LeVert, and a number of valuable draft picks. The move solidified the Nets as favorites for the championship in the 2020-21 season, reuniting Harden with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Durant.
Unfortunately, injuries plagued the trio during their limited time together on the court. Both Harden and Irving missed games during the Nets’ Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, while Irving also faced extended absences due to his refusal to comply with New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
With only 16 games played together, the Nets eventually traded Harden to the 76ers in February 2022 in a deal that brought back Ben Simmons. At his introductory press conference with Philadelphia, Harden downplayed Irving’s absence as a factor in his trade request, emphasizing the need for structure in organizations.
Harden’s reunion with 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, who was his former general manager in Houston, brought some hope. However, a promised contract extension never materialized, leading Harden to exercise his option and request a trade. His discontent with Morey was evident in his public statements, declaring Morey as a liar and vowing never to play for an organization he’s associated with.
After a season marred by trade rumors, Harden finally got his wish when the Clippers traded for him, parting ways with multiple players and draft picks. Now, he returns to Brooklyn for the eighth time to face the Nets, this time representing a different team. His first game back in Brooklyn last year saw him score 29 points, but his 76ers ultimately swept the Nets in the playoffs.
The Nets, on the other hand, have also undergone significant changes since Harden’s departure. They traded Irving to the Dallas Mavericks and Durant to the Phoenix Suns, acquiring players such as Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Dorian Finney-Smith in return. The Nets’ first encounter with Durant since the trade is scheduled for December 13th in Phoenix.
As Harden steps onto the court at Barclays Center once again, wearing the Clippers’ uniform, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how he performs against his former team. It remains to be seen if he can find success with his new teammates, Leonard and George, as they strive to make their mark in Los Angeles.
