The Philadelphia Sixers’ veteran guard James Harden is likely to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season. The elite scorer requested a move to the Los Angeles Clippers, but neither the Sixers wanted to settle for less nor the Clippers wanted to add Terrance Mann to the deal. More than three months after making the request, the 34-year-old is still on the Sixers’ roster. Will the Sixers send him to the Clippers, or will he play in LA for another team?
The Arizona State Sun Devils product played 58 games for the Sixers last season and averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc. Multiple teams were interested in the player, but some have pulled away after the recent developments in the situation. Can the Lakers land Harden in LA now? Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Philadelphia Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers involving James Harden.
What would the Lakers offer for James Harden?
The Lakers are expected to offer D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish and a 2029 first-round pick from 2029 in exchange for the Sixers’ #1. The ten-time NBA All-star has no control over where he gets traded. Will he be happy with playing in LA, or is he only interested in playing for the Clippers?
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently offering a trade package that includes an unprotected first-round pick and a pick-swap for James Harden, per @ShamsCharania.
Shams reported yesterday that Los Angeles offered a similar package for the 10x All-Star back in July.
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) October 6, 2023
Why would the Lakers want to sign James Harden?
The Lakers have been doing great, but they won their last title in 2020. Something has been missing, and they want to get it fixed and bid LeBron a farewell with a title. The duo of King James and Anthony Davis has been great but support has not been enough. Harden is one of the best scorers in the league, and he might be the last piece of the puzzle.
The Clippers are offering a package including an unprotected first-rounder and a pick swap for James Harden, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
The latest on the James Harden saga, from The Bounce ⤵️https://t.co/Jf6oYqWf3U pic.twitter.com/Xr2p4reRHj
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 6, 2023
Why would the Sixers trade-off James Harden?
The Sixers do not want to part ways with the star, but James is determined not to put on a Sixers’ jersey ever again. He recently called the president of the Sixers a liar in public. The Sixers might trade him to whoever gives them the best returns.
Harden’s departure might push Joel Embiid to ask for a trade as well. Will the Sixers be able to convince the two of them to stay? How would the Lakers line up next season? We’ll keep you updated.
