When the Clippers brought James Harden to the squad in Oct. 2023 through a trade with the 76ers, the franchise had high hopes for the trio of Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Would Los Angeles finally make the NBA Finals for the first time in team history?
The short answer to that question is no. The trio only made it to the opening round of the playoffs that season, falling to the Mavericks in six games. Following the 2023–24 season, George was traded to the 76ers, ending the trio’s brief team-up in Los Angeles. Harden was traded to the Cavaliers this week, leaving just Leonard with the Clippers of the three stars.
