Grade the Trade idea: Mavericks land new starting center in James Harden blockbuster

Grading the trade for the Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers were able to keep their duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard together while adding James Harden, so this trade is already a win.

The Clippers team is already filled with stars, and adding Harden into the mix makes this team even more of a contender. They would have two former MVPs in Harden and Russell Westbrook and two other stars in Leonard and George.

They also have role players such as Terrance Mann, Bones Hyland, Robert Covington, Mason Plumlee, and Kenyon Martin Jr.

This trade also allows them to add P.J. Tucker, who brings them even more defense. Tucker averaged 3.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game in 75 games for Philadelphia last season. He is also an NBA Champion and has plenty of playoff experience.

The Clippers also net Jaden Springer and JaVale McGee in the deal. McGee would step in and be the backup center behind Plumlee. Springer, on the other hand, didn't play much in Philly, but he is young and could develop into a solid piece off the Clippers' bench in the future. He is a good defender and is a decent scorer when given the chance.

The Clippers did give up considerable depth in this trade in Marcus Morris Sr., Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and Nicolas Batum, but they get back a star player in Harden and a role player in Tucker. McGee and Springer wouldn't be used much, but are decent throw-ins.

Potential starting lineup: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Mason Plumlee

The Clippers receive an A for this trade, as they landed one of the best isolation scorers in the league in Harden. George and Leonard haven't been able to get it done with role players around them, so let's see how they do with another star.