The James Harden era is about to begin in Los Angeles. After pulling off a blockbuster trade for the former 76ers guard, the LA Clippers will look noticeably different this season. Three former regular season or Finals MVPs will be in the starting lineup.
There has been a mixed reaction to the Harden trade among Clippers fans. Some are excited to see the former scoring champion in action next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, while others are doubtful about how much his addition will actually help.
Of course, everyone wants to know the Clippers players’ opinions on the matter. On Thursday, Kawhi provided some insight on his initial reaction to the trade. “I was in bed at the time,” said Leonard. “But I guess, excited.”
"Once it went down, I was in bed at the time, but I guess excited. He's one of the best players to step on the NBA floor. We got a lot to figure out and I'm happy for him and ready to see him play in a Clipper jersey."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 2, 2023
Kawhi Leonard on James Harden trade.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/E3s5DYXPKk
Kawhi says he was in bed when Harden was traded
His anticlimactic and nonchalant answer is very on brand with what fans have come to expect from him. Kawhi is almost certainly more excited about the move than he is letting on, but a reaction like this is still funny to hear.
Leonard went on to say he thinks Harden is one of the best to step on an NBA floor, while acknowledging that the team has some figuring to do in order to make everything work. This is certainly a grounded response that should excite fans without getting their expectations too high.
One of the most interesting aspects of James Harden pairing up with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook is that all four players are originally from Southern California. Clippers fans can look forward to cheering on a squad filled with players that know their lifestyle better than anyone.