The 2023-24 season will soon commence but James Harden is yet to be traded. Things have started to gain pace but nothing guarantees that the All-Star will find his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers roster right away. But at this point, any offer laid on the table suggests that there is hope of a trade shortly.
The 10x All-Star is coming off one and a half seasons with the Sixers, a team that has been struggling to find playoff success. The good news is that he participated in training camp and did not show any signs of distress. But it only seems like he holds a grudge against the Sixers’ General Manager, Daryl Morey. James may not participate with the team during the preseason as he missed their opener. He did not play as per the head coach’s decision.
James Harden will not play in tonight’s preseason game but has been going through a hard extended pregame workout including late clock execution drills. pic.twitter.com/PEeAvr6vNc
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) October 8, 2023
Having said that, if a trade does not take place, James Harden may compete during the regular season to avoid penalties. However, his intentions to leave Philly haven’t changed. The 2018 MVP wants to join the LA Clippers, the only team that is actively trying to pursue him at the moment. Morey has every intention to fulfill his trade request. But under the circumstance that the Sixers receive a proper replacement for him.
The Clippers will not re-evaluate their offer for James Harden
Recently, sources revealed that both teams have been in touch regarding a potential trade for James Harden. Other teams have little to no interest in the star considering that he’s on a one-year deal. The Clippers have offered to trade a first-round pick, a pick swap, and a couple of expiring contracts. These expiring contracts are most likely ones of Marcus Morris and Robert Covington. Philly countered with an offer involving Terance Mann and a few draft picks.
REPORT: The Clippers would like to acquire James Harden ‘sooner, rather than later’, per @wojespn.
Although, LA doesn’t see a reason to increase their current offer because they believe they’re the only team interested in Harden. pic.twitter.com/tFtaQDwo8o
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 8, 2023
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently stated that the Clippers have offered more than any other team in the league. Additionally, the Clippers want to get the deal done sooner rather than later. With the 2023-24 regular season approaching quickly, it is fair that LA wants to start with Harden from the get-go rather than midway through the season. This is because they will have enough time to sketch out his role on the roster along with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Russell Westbrook already on the team.
Wojnarowski also revealed that the Clippers have no intent to up their offer as they feel like they’re the only team interested in James Harden. But this could backfire on the Clippers as they wait for the Sixers to cave in. Just like how the Miami Heat lost Damian Lillard, the Clippers may also lose out on Harden by prolonging this trade.
While other teams haven’t shown interest, it doesn’t avoid the possibility of the Sixers seeking help from other teams. That’s if they don’t find any viable package from the Clippers. Teams have pulled out because he’s on a one-year deal which increases the chances of him leaving during free agency. But with the Clippers, he’s more likely to stay rather than leave.