Filip Petrusev traded to Los Angeles Clippers in James Harden deal

Filip Petrusev has experienced the business side of professional basketball early in his first NBA season.

The former Gonzaga men's basketball star was traded late Monday night in a blockbuster deal that sent 10-time All-Star James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 76ers dealt P.J. Tucker and Petrusev along with Harden for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, KJ Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 pick swap and an additional first-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The deal comes months after Harden requested a trade from Philadelphia in June. The former MVP had yet to suit up for the 76ers this season, though he was present with the team on the bench during Sunday's game while wearing street clothes. The relationship between Harden and the Sixers was irreparable since he called president of basketball operations Daryl Morey "a liar" multiple times during the offseason.

As Harden, a Southern California native, prepares to join his hometown team, Petrusev's future with his new team is unclear. The Athletic's Law Murray reported that the Clippers may not keep the 6-foot-11 Serbian, who logged just three minutes with the Sixers in his debut on Sunday. Petrusev's future with the Clippers could be decided in the coming days.

Three years after being selected 50th overall by the Sixers in the 2021 NBA Draft, Petrusev signed his first NBA contract with the team in July. In the 2023 NBA Summer League, he averaged 10.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in five outings.

Petrusev was named the Adriatic Basketball Association MVP during the 2020-21 season with KK Mega Basket in his native Serbia. He put up 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.