LA Clippers: 3 Reasons LA is mishandling the James Harden trade situation

Terance Mann is not worth the “untouchable” label

It’s been reported that the LA Clippers have made Terance Mann “untouchable” in trade talks for James Harden. Unless that’s simply a negotiating tactic, though I can’t imagine the Clippers are still trying to use such extremes a week before the start of the regular season, this seems like the biggest mishandling mistake of this entire situation.

This has nothing to do with Mann and his potential moving forward as a player. Instead, it has everything to do with where the Clippers are as a contending franchise in the NBA. The Clippers are trying to win a championship now. If the cost is an expiring contract, a future first-round pick, and Mann, I don’t understand the reasoning of not pulling the trigger. Harden gives the Clippers a better shot to win a title this season than Mann does.

And while Mann is a good player, it’s not like he’s this premier young prospect. He’s 27 years old and is coming off a season in which he averaged nine points, three rebounds, and two assists on 52 percent shooting from the field.

He’s good but he’s not Harden.

I understand the negotiating game that’s being played but Harden over Mann should be the play here for the Clippers. Even if it is just for one season.