The LA Clippers have repeatedly been linked to former league MVP James Harden, but their aggressive strategy could prove counterproductive. Despite their seemingly being no other team interested in Harden, the Clippers run the risk of putting the Philadelphia 76ers in a corner. In trade negotiations, that can be a good thing for the Clipper since it gives them leverage in talks.
However, it wasn’t that long ago that the Miami Heat appeared to have all the leverage in trade discussions with the Portland Trail Blazers. Instead of actively engaging with the Blazers after making their initial offer, they trusted that no other team would beat that deal.
The Milwaukee Bucks, of course, did, and the Heat lost out on an elite player. Damian Lillard is better than Harden at this point, but if the Clippers believe that he can be a difference-maker, then they should continue to aggressively pursue him.
“Despite the #Sixers indicating that they would accept an offer of a Clippers’ unprotected first-round pick, first-round pick swap, and players to match the salaries and Mann … Lawrence Frank reiterated the team’s stance that Mann would not be part of their offer.”
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) October 18, 2023
- @sam_amick
The Clippers have a lot to gain by adding Harden and more to lose by failing to acquire him.
The Clippers were, as recently as 2020, thought of as legit title contenders, but those hopes have faded, and it certainly doesn’t appear that way anymore. Frequent injuries to stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been the biggest factor, but adding Harden to that core could help minimize the negative effects of their absence.
Better yet, both Kawhi and George plan to rest less this season, meaning that the Clippers could be at full strength more often in 2023–24. If Harden joins the fold, then LA may actually look like title contenders again. On the other hand, if they fumble their opportunity to land him, then they will literally be in the same boat as they were before. Hoping for good health and favorable playoff matchups will only get the Clippers so far.
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As a result, if the asking price for Harden is indeed Terrance Mann and two first-round picks, then they should look to close the deal instead of haggling. Otherwise, they risk the Sixers either holding onto Harden well into the season or another team deciding to make a run at him. Had Miami done more back and forth with Portland, they would be in a far better position entering this season, and the Clippers would be wise to learn from their mistake.