The most anticipated NBA trade of the year is James Harden. The Sixers’ star guard has requested a trade this year after picking the $35.6 million player option in June 2023. However, the organization has been unable to find the right package to trade him. Could the Sixers trade Harden before the season kicks off?
Sixers Refusing to Trade Harden, Despite Lack of Interest from Other Teams
After waiting for a long time to receive the best package for the Bearded star, the Philadelphia 76ers were expected to change their approach to trade Harden. However, they have not changed their approach to trade Harden, which is making it difficult for them to trade the NBA All-Star.
Harden requested a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Beard star is a Los Angeles native and wanted to play for his hometown team. He wanted to play alongside superstar players like Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Kawhi Leonard.
James Harden’s Best Plays & Highlights with Houston 🔥💨 pic.twitter.com/OzWZFbqovU
— BoBosephus (@BoBosephus) October 17, 2023
The Clippers don’t want to move Terance Mann, while the Sixers want Mann so they can pair him with their All-Star, Joel Embiid. This information has been revealed by Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pompey wrote:
“But the plan to add draft-pick swaps in a package for Harden hasn’t moved the needle for the Sixers. They’ve said they’re interested in a package that includes Clippers guard Terance Mann and first-round picks. But the source said Morey knows Mann is untouchable.”
“The Sixers are looking for an All-Star player or assets to acquire for Harden. That’s why draft-pick swaps may not be good enough. And word is that the Sixers don’t expect the picks from the Clippers, who need to stay relevant in a big market, to be that valuable, especially with them being a perennial playoff team.”
Sixers and Clippers Under Pressure to Trade James Harden
Even though Harden has already peaked, he was one of the best players in the last season. He averaged around 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds while playing for the Sixers in the last season (58 games).
The Sixers are currently under a lot of pressure to trade James Harden and obtain the best available offer for him. On the other hand, the Clippers also must consider trading Harden as he would further solidify their roster alongside Leonard and George.
