NBA Rumors: LA Clippers could emerge as dark horse for James Harden?

NBA Rumors: Could the LA Clippers emerge as a potential dark horse landing spot for James Harden? 

Hours away from the start of NBA Free Agency, there are still plenty of questions that need to be answered. And one of the bigger ones revolves around James Harden, who has yet to decline his player option for the 2023-24 NBA season. Believe it or not, that could add a whole other level of intrigue.

The expectation is that Harden will decline his option to test free agency but that hasn’t happened yet. And even if he does opt into the final year of his contract with the Sixers, that doesn’t mean he’s staying in Philly just yet. He could opt in and work with the Sixers to facilitate a trade to a team where he wants to land with – essentially a sign and trade.

As Harden continues to weigh his options, a potential dark horse landing spot for Harden has come to light.

According to Rockets reporter Kelly Iko, the LA Clippers could emerge as a potential dark horse landing spot for Harden this offseason.

It’s almost impossible to predict what James Harden will do in free agency

At this point, it’s almost impossible to predict what Harden will end up doing this offseason. A couple of months ago, the expectation was that Harden was going to make a return to Houston. However, that narrative has shifted quickly over the last few weeks. Even though there is some optimism that he’s going to re-sign with the Sixers, there’s also no guarantee of that.

If Harden still isn’t sold on any decision just yet, it wouldn’t be all that surprising for another team to come swooping in. And for the Clippers, who feel they may be one star away from finally breaking through, making a move (especially if it is indeed a short-term one) for Harden would make some sense.

The big question is whether Harden would want it and whether the Sixers would be willing to help facilitate a sign-and-trade to make it a reality. At this point, it wouldn’t make much sense to try and predict what will happen when free agency opens.

The next few days should be rather interesting in the NBA and Harden is one of the bigger storylines that could end up dominating the headlines once again.