The regular NBA Season starts in just a few days and there’s still noise surrounding the future of James Harden. Amidst all the chatter, there was a point where it seemed like the Los Angeles Clippers might land the former MVP, but those rumors have since faded.
However, the Clippers should look at another top talent in Tyrese Maxey. In this article, we’ll delve into the dynamics of the Harden trade saga, the Clippers’ potential pursuit of Maxey, and what this could mean for the Clippers’ lineup.
James Harden, the Ideal Fit for the Clippers
The Clippers have remained involved in trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers, despite the rocky situation surrounding Harden and his former team. One key reason for their interest in Harden is how seamlessly he could fit into the Clippers’ long-term plans. With the impending free agency of star players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, bringing Harden on board aligns with the team’s timeline.
Tyrese Maxey’s Emerging Dominance
Although the Harden trade discussions have hit an impasse, the Clippers can pivot toward another exciting prospect, Tyrese Maxey. The 21-year-old guard showed tremendous promise in his sophomore season with the 76ers, demonstrating an ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. Maxey’s youth, versatility, and scoring ability make him an ideal candidate to bolster the Clippers’ roster.
Potential Lineup
Imagine a Clippers lineup featuring Russell Westbrook, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. This formidable quartet could create a high-powered offense that rivals the best in the league. Westbrook’s playmaking, Maxey’s scoring, and the two-way brilliance of George and Leonard would make the Clippers a title contender.
It’s ‘increasingly likely’ James Harden will be on the Sixers’ roster on opening night, per @JakeLFischer
The Clippers are not interested in offering Terance Mann pic.twitter.com/bUMFLOHeoa
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 18, 2023
Why is James Harden still not traded to the Clippers?
The road to acquiring Tyrese Maxey is not without its challenges. Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, has set a demanding asking price for James Harden, including second-first-round picks, future pick swaps, and expiring contracts. The Clippers have been reluctant to meet these demands, primarily due to their valuation of their 2028 first-round pick.
Intriguingly, the Clippers have explored the possibility of trading this prized 2028 pick to a third team to satisfy the Sixers’ requirements. However, finding a trade partner willing to part with two lesser first-round picks in exchange for the Clippers’ single lottery ticket remains a challenging proposition.
The James Harden trade saga might be on hold, but the Clippers’ pursuit of talent continues. Tyrese Maxey, with his budding potential, could provide the spark the Clippers need for a championship run. As the trade winds continue to blow, NBA fans will be watching closely to see if the Clippers can land their next star in the making.
