TOP NEWS: Tyronn Lue Verifies Doc Rivers’ Remarks About the Clippers Trade of James Harden Was “No-Brainer”

Before the franchise chose to trade for James Harden in a blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season, Doc Rivers, the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, had previously revealed that the Los Angeles Clippers consulted him.

Following the Clippers’ Monday night loss to the Bucks, head coach Tyronn Lue said that Rivers had a part in Harden’s move to Los Angeles.

Lue was questioned about his conversations with Rivers—who wasn’t coaching at the time—prior to the Harden deal during his news conference following the game.

“I talked to Doc a lot about the James [Harden] situation and just getting his feedback about what he thought worked, what didn’t work,” stated Lue. He simply believed that would be a fantastic transaction for us. It’s basically a no-brainer. Invest in a point guard who has achieved it all—winning scoring and assist titles, MVP awards, and more.

Lue praised Harden for his willingness to make sacrifices in order to win, pointing out that he frequently runs pick and rolls in order to create opportunities for his elite teammates, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

Naturally, Rivers was Harden’s coach with the 76ers from 2021–2023; so, it makes sense that Lue would ask about the 10-time All-Star.

“When they called, I was among the men who suggested it would be a fantastic opportunity for them, since I believed he would be a better match with them than with the Sixers club. Regarding the Harden trade in February, Rivers stated, “I think he’s a perfect fit there,” per ClutchPoints.

Harden is averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 40.9% three-point shooting in 54 games this season.