NBA Trade Rumors: From all indications, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to honor James Harden’s trade request to the LA Clippers.
Just before the start of free agency, it was reported that James Harden was going to opt into the final year of his contract. But the move wasn’t made because he wanted to play one more season, at least, with the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead, Harden decided to opt into the final year of his contract with the Sixers in an attempt to power his way to the LA Clippers.
That much has become quite evident. However, at least more than a month into the official start of the offseason, that hasn’t gone to plan just yet for Harden.
Harden is still a member of the Sixers and there’s no guarantee that’s going to change anytime soon. But the hope is that it eventually will.
According to a recent report, the expectation is that Harden’s request will eventually be honored by the Sixers. It could take some time but the belief is that the Sixers and Clippers will hold trade talks once again before the season centered around Harden.
With virtually no other trade interest for Harden on an expiring contract around the league, it’s starting to seem as if a Harden to LA trade is inevitable.
The James Harden return will likely be disappointing
Because of that, the return for Harden is likely going to be considered disappointing for the Sixers. Philadelphia has reportedly made the inclusion of Terance Mann a sticking point in trade talks and up to now, that’s not a path the Clippers are willing to go down. It’s difficult envisioning that changing but maybe maybe it does if the Sixers are willing to include PJ Tucker or another contributing player.
Either way, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Harden lands in LA.
Admittedly, Harden would be quite the addition for an already solid top 2 in LA. The big question is, would Harden’s addition to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George be enough to help the Clippers make a huge move up the Western Conference standings?
In the end, this season could end up coming down to health. Even Harden’s injury history hasn’t been that kind. If this Clippers team, with the addition of Harden, can remain healthy, it would emerge as an intriguing threat in the West.
This could end up being quite the intriguing season for the Clippers. With Harden, it is just that much more exciting. And it’s looking more and more like that’s going to happen.