Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers previously stated that the Los Angeles Clippers consulted him before the team decided to trade for James Harden in a blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this season.
On Monday night, in the aftermath of the Clippers’ loss to the Bucks, head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Rivers played a role in Harden landing in Los Angeles.
During his postgame press conference, Lue was asked about his communication with Rivers–who was not coaching at the time–ahead of the Harden trade.
“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,” said Lue. “He just thought it’d be a great trade for us. Pretty much just a no-brainer. Get a point guard who’s been an MVP, won scoring titles, won assist titles, he’s done it all.”
Tyronn Lue spoke to Doc Rivers about the James Harden trade
— Law Murray 🧭 (@LawMurrayTheNU) March 5, 2024
Doc told T Lue that it would be a great trade for the Clippers, "pretty much a no brainer." Lue praised Harden (again) for his sacrifices to set up Kawhi/PG, and said Doc said it from "day one" pic.twitter.com/Vwa1mvZy41
Lue complimented Harden on his willingness to sacrifice to win, noting how he’s often running pick and rolls to find open looks for star teammates Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Rivers, of course, coached Harden on the 76ers from 2021-23, so it stands to reason that Lue would be seeking his opinion on the 10-time All-Star.
“They made calls and I was one of the guys who said it would be a great deal for them because I thought he fit them better than he would fit the Sixers team. I think he's a perfect fit there,” said Rivers of the Harden trade in February, via ClutchPoints.
In 54 games this season, Harden is averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 40.9% from three-point range.
