Trade talks for NBA star James Harden between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers are not moving forward. Even though the Clippers are the only team reportedly in the race to acquire Harden, they are hesitant to increase their offer. According to insiders, the Clippers’ reluctance to trade with their young guard Terance Mann is the main reason for the impasse.
Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer has revealed that while the Clippers are offering a first-round pick, a draft-pick swap, and expiring contracts, the 76ers are interested in a package that involves both Mann and first-round picks. Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, is holding out for this package even though he’s fully aware that Mann is “untouchable” in the eyes of the Clippers.
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 Clippers have made Terance Mann untouchable, per @PompeyOnSixers pic.twitter.com/k0NtlwBb1e
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 15, 2023
The Sixers’ desire to involve Mann is interesting, considering the guard’s improved performance in the previous seasons. The decision for Morey and his team is whether to wait for the right deal or move forward with their dissatisfied star.
James Harden’s relationship with Sixers management is beyond repair
Harden public comments on Morey complicate things even more. In August, Harden made no attempts to hide his disappointment, calling Morey “a liar” and recently he stated that their relationship is beyond repair. “When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. When you lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.”
However, despite this strained relationship, Harden is showing utmost professionalism in Sixers practice sessions and even praising new head coach Nick Nurse. With the 2023-24 season approaching and Harden having exercised his $35.6 million option, the question arises here – Will he play unhappily or will an unexpected trade partner show up?
Do you think is something that can be repaired?
Harden: “No.”
Why?
Harden: “This is not even about in this situation, this is in life. When you lose trust in someone, it’s like a marriage. You lose trust in someone, you know what I mean? It’s pretty simple.” pic.twitter.com/NC3vslbd5T
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) October 13, 2023
The 76ers are facing a challenging situation here, If they’re going to trade James Harden, they’re looking for an All-Star caliber player in return. But the Clippers are in a win-now mindset and it seems unlikely that they would give up with key assets that could affect their championship aspirations.
With the season-opening match on October 26th against the Milwaukee Bucks, the time is running out for the 76ers. The Eastern Conference looks challenging. The Bucks and Boston Celtics are among the favorites for the title, and other teams like the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers might also join the list.
If Harden, who is still a strong player at age 34 gets traded, it would significantly change the dynamics of the Eastern Conference. The decision that Morey and the 76ers’ front office take in the coming days will have a lasting impact on the championship race.