Paul George could have stayed in Los Angeles.
Instead, George coldly left the Clippers -- and James Harden -- behind.
4
NBA free agency is already buzzing, with Klay Thompson being personally recruited by LeBron James, and a 39-year-old Chris Paul joining a 20-year-old Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
But it's hard to imagine any move topping George's overnight decision to leave the Clippers and join the one team that Harden refused to play for.
Now, George is part of a modern big three in Philadelphia with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers will be serious NBA Finals contenders for the 2024-25 season, and also added Kelly Oubre Jr., Eric Gordon and Andre Drummond since free agency started.
READ MORE ON NBA
But while Philly president of basketball operations Daryl Morey once again reminded the NBA of his front-office power, Harden's chances of winning a ring took a massive hit on Sunday night.
Less than a year ago, Harden coldly called out Morey in a brutal war of words.
"Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of," Harden said during a promotional event. "Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of."
The 10-time All-Star ultimately got his wish by forcing another trade, this time to the Clippers.
4
4
Los Angeles initially received a lift upon Harden's arrival.
But the Clippers again disappointed when it mattered, finishing fourth in the loaded Western Conference, then falling to eventual West champions Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
Most read in Basketball
NBA star James Harden pulls hilarious face as he reacts to his girlfriend catching the brides bouquet of flowers at wedding
The last two losses were blowouts, with Harden shooting just 2-of-12 from the floor in Game 5.
With the Lakers hiring JJ Redick as head coach and drafting an emotional Bronny James to help keep LeBron in Los Angeles, the biggest NBA team in LA is now trying to pry Thompson away from Golden State.
George agreed to a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers that shook up the entire league.
Then there's Harden, who'll begin next season on a worse Clippers team.
"OMG. IT FINALLY HAPPENED," one fan tweeted. "THE CLIPPERS ARE FINISHED. LMAO."
"I just think it is hilarious that Paul George left James Harden for Daryl Morey," a second fan posted.
4
"It’s safe to say the Sixers won the James Harden trade," a third fan wrote.
Russell Westbrook is expected to be traded by the Clippers.
Harden will still have Kawhi Leonard, but The Klaw continues to be hampered by injuries and full-season inconsistency.
In some ways, a 34-year-old Harden will be the most dependable player left on the Clippers' roster.
And that's a bad sign for Los Angeles' other NBA team.
George chose the 76ers over the Clippers, which says a lot about Harden's chance of finally winning a ring with a Clippers franchise that is going backward again.
Harden thought he got a head start on free agency by agreeing to a two-year, $70 million deal to stay in LA.
George had other big plans.
Read More on talkSPORT
He wanted to join Philly and Morey -- the 76ers team that Harden refused to play for.
George's stunning decision received another jolt when Maxey agreed to a five-year, $205 million max contract to remain with Philadelphia.