Grades: 76ers fleece the Clippers in this eight-player James Harden trade

The 76ers just fleeced the Clippers big time

The 76ers approached the season knowing fully well that they may have to face the possibility of sheltering James Harden for the entire year nary a legitimate suitor outside of, well, the LA Clippers — a franchise that seemed resolute on not bidding against themselves at all costs even in their boisterous attempt to land the All-Star and an even louder interjection to win a championship after years of ghastly playoff exits.

Well, it seems like the Clippers only ever wanted Terance Mann to stay put notwithstanding the magnitude of any bridging the gap maneuver, sending three veterans who can help the 76ers, a young wing who can stay on the roster beyond this year, two future first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-rounders to sweeten a pot already loaded with saccharides.

Daryl Morey has been quite the name lately — of the infamous variant — but this is a heck of a package to accrue for a star on an expiring deal who has lost all leverage, a solid, yet replaceable and old role player, and an enigmatic prospect who hasn’t even logged a minute in the NBA.

Morris, Batum, and Covington are all on expiring deals and profile as good fits for the 76ers with the added bonus of potentially becoming honey traps for the front office to lure in an asset later on before the trade deadline. Martin is a nice young piece who can be re-signed for cheap next year.

Nevertheless, that Philadelphia managed to score the torrent of draft capital they heisted is a tremendous move by the 76ers’ decision-makers. Even better, the franchise just got a boost in future-proofing while remaining relevant, if not more, in the title conversation.

Grade: A+++