James Harden has made the headlines these past few weeks and several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, have thrown their hats into the ring for a potential trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers superstar.
Renowned NBA insider Howard Beck recently revealed that the Clippers are just one of the teams with a keen interest in acquiring the sought-after guard, sparking a wave of speculation and excitement among fans.
James Harden, who made a trade request from the Sixers, has set his sights on joining the Clippers. However, as of now, both Philadelphia and the Clippers have hit a roadblock in their negotiations, with no significant progress to report. Sources suggest that there are three to four teams, including the Clippers, who are still keeping a close eye on the situation, making it a fluid and dynamic scenario.
Trade Talks Heat Up: James Harden’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The Sixers initially signaled their willingness to explore a trade after Harden’s request, following his decision to exercise a $35.6 million player option for the upcoming season. Despite their eagerness to move him, Philadelphia’s asking price for the talented guard has proven to be a significant hurdle, deterring potential suitors from meeting their demands.
While the Sixers envision a championship-worthy roster featuring both Harden and Joel Embiid, the situation has taken an interesting turn. NBA insider Joe Vardon, from The Athletic, has reported that James Harden is resolute in his stance: he has no intention of playing for the Sixers again and is even prepared to skip training camp if he remains with the team.
“It’s crazy to say this, but it’s not our first rodeo.”
– Tyrese Maxey on James Harden’s trade request
(h/t @Liberty_Ballers ) pic.twitter.com/qKhG4gnc6B
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2023
Last season, Harden showcased his prowess on the court, averaging an impressive 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. Leading the league in assists per game for the second time in his career, his impact was undeniable.
Adding another layer to the drama, Harden’s relationship with Sixers president Daryl Morey has soured. The NBA levied a $100,000 fine on Harden for referring to Morey as “a liar” during an Adidas tour in China. This acrimonious exchange stemmed from James Harden’s expectations of a swift trade after exercising his player option.
As the clock ticks down to the start of training camp, the stakes are high for both Harden and the Sixers. If a trade doesn’t materialize, Harden’s future could take an unexpected turn. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, if Harden holds out for more than 30 days into training camp, the Sixers could have the power to prevent him from entering free agency in 2024, given his contract’s unique circumstances.
