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Knicks have perfect chance to spoil James Harden’s targeted Clippers debut

By Jordanna Clark

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 29: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third 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)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 29: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third 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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Even New York Knicks fans should’ve breathed a sigh of relief after James Harden was traded to the Clippers solely because it meant there would no longer be a new update on the situation every morning. The Sixers saga might be over, but that doesn’t mean New York’s pursuit of Joel Embiid is.

Harden had yet to play in a game for Philadelphia, and his first contest of the 2023-24 season will come in a Los Angeles uniform. Because the trade happened early Tuesday morning, Harden won’t make his Clippers debut against the Lakers on Wednesday night in primetime.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Harden will practice “over the coming days” and is targeting Monday for his LA debut. Guess who the Clippers play? The Knicks, in New York.

James Harden hoping to make LA debut at MSG for Knicks-Clippers

After playing the Lakers on Wednesday, the Clippers will have four full days off before they play in New York on Monday. That gives James Harden plenty of time to gear up and get ready.

He missed the Sixers’ first road trip of the season because Philadelphia wanted him to stay back and ramp up to play, and reportedly, he’s in good shape.

Harden got his wish granted, and he should be ecstatic that he got away from Daryl Morey. He’s back in his hometown of LA with three other natives in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. All four players have player options for 2024-25 that will make next summer interesting.

The Clippers did what they could to push the team closer to contention in a stacked Western Conference, and given Harden’s background, it could come back to haunt them. His history doesn’t exactly scream Mr. Reliable.

James Harden and LA’s new journey could start on Monday at MSG. Wouldn’t it be fun to see the Knicks spoil it?

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