Grade the trade: Clippers go all-in on troubling but talented James Harden
By Tyler Watts
Did the Philadelphia 76ers get enough to keep Joel Embiid happy?
The 76ers were holding out for a second first-round pick and finally got it. They took back four expiring contracts from the LA Clippers but were unable to land Terance Mann. The Clippers guard was the sticking point in this deal for some time. In the end, he stayed in LA to play with James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George.
76ers fans know Robert Covington well from his four and a half seasons in Philadelphia. The 32-year-old is not the same player, but he was starting for the Clippers and figures to play a role next to Joel Embiid.
The 76ers got Nicolas Batum, Marcus Morris Sr., and Keyon Martin Jr. in the deal. All could play roles off the bench and will be fighting for minutes.
What Philly wanted was the draft capital. They got two firsts and two seconds plus a first-round pick swap. It gives them ammo to make another trade, but perhaps not enough to land a third star.
76ers grade: B+
Give Daryl Morey credit. He held his ground again and got the best deal on the table. Was it a massive haul? No, but it was never going to be after James Harden requested his third trade in three years. Morey now has draft capital to use at the deadline to put pieces around Joel Embiid. His goal should be keeping the reigning MVP happy, and there is still work to be done in Philadelphia.