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Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

The Knicks Have All The Juice

Tom Ley

The Knicks Made A Delicious Meal Out Of James Harden

Patrick Redford

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Detroit Pistons in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

James Harden Is Powering Down

Cade Cunningham handles the basketball with Max Strus guarding.

The Pistons Are Getting Down To Business

Ray Ratto

James Harden of the LA Clippers carries his brand name wine J-Harden Cabernet Sauvignon and shoe package as he arrives ahead of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors.

My Coworkers Browbeat Me Into Drinking James Harden’s Wine

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers looks on against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)

James Harden’s Latest Trade Demand Isn’t About Basketball

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts during the first half of their game against the Brooklyn Nets at Intuit Dome on January 25, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

Clippers Win, Sentencing Blogger To Eat Words

James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after a no foul call during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on November 29, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

The Clippers Are Circling The Toilet

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 1: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers &amp; James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

It Is Happening Again To The Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers is interviewed by the media after Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2024 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

That’s Why You Make The James Harden Trade

James Harden dribbles up the court while smiling.

This Might Be Working After All

Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 14, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

The Clippers Need Some New Ideas

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 12, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

James Harden Is In The Mud

Albert Burneko

James Harden, in a dayglo green hoodie, watches a game from the bench.

James Harden Traded To Los Angeles Clippers After All

Giri Nathan

James Harden warms up at a Sixers practice

Report: James Harden Barred From Sixers Plane By Team Security

P.J. Tucker#17 James Harden #1 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during an open scrimmage on October 14, 2023 at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware.

James Harden Has Made His Next Move

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Houston Dynamo owner James Harden waves to the fans after the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final against the Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

James Harden Begins Going “Ben Simmons Mode”

James Harden, Hanging Out On A High School Sports Field, Says Relationship With Sixers Is Beyond Repair

EmbiidWatch Begins: Possible Twitter-Bio Intrigue

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 15: President of basketball operations Daryl Morey responds during a press conference at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on February 15, 2022 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

James Harden And Daryl Morey Deserve Each Other

James Harden #1 (L) and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during a press conference at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on February 15, 2022 in Camden, New Jersey. (

James Harden Calls Daryl Morey A “Liar,” Vows Never To Play For Him

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Sixers Enter Another Summer Of Angst

Joel Embiid covers his face with a towel.

Joel Embiid Is A Finite Resource

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after defeating the Boston Celtics in overtime of game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

James Harden Knows

BOSTON, MA - MAY 1: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during Round Two Game One of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE