If there’s one thing Masai Ujiri loves, it’s going all-in for a star, and Harden might just be his next gamble. Toronto has already shown they’re serious about retooling by trading for Brandon Ingram, and pairing Harden with Scottie Barnes and Ingram would instantly make them a playoff threat in the East.

Harden’s playmaking (9.1 APG in the playoffs) would be a perfect fit for Barnes’ cutting and Ingram’s mid-range game. And while his postseason demons are real, in the regular season, Harden’s ability to control pace and create offense is still elite.

For the Clippers, this is a pretty ideal haul. Immanuel Quickley is coming off a strong year in Toronto (17.1 PPG, 5.8 APG), and at just 25, he gives L.A. fresh legs and real upside at point guard. Gradey Dick struggled with efficiency in his second year (35.0% 3-PT FG) but averaged 14.4 PPG nonetheless, the kind of movement shooter the Clippers could develop alongside their aging stars. The two first-round picks give them flexibility to either restock or swing another trade if they decide to lean fully into a retool. This would also let the Clippers get younger without bottoming out. Quickley, Dick, and the picks keep them competitive in the Kawhi timeline, but also future-proof them if those two stars eventually move on.