NBA News: The Clippers delaying trade for James Harden
Both the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers 2023–24 seasons are officially underway, but the two sides have yet to agree to a long-discussed trade. At the moment, the Clippers are the only known team interested in all-star and former MVP James Harden, but the two sides still remain far apart on a deal. In fact, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers are pulling out of trade talks with the Sixers for the time being.
Reporting for NBA Countdown: With the season starting, the Clippers are stepping back from James Harden trade talks pic.twitter.com/6KqCRqrJls
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2023
One reason is that the Clippers don’t appear willing to up their offer, instead going with a “take it or leave it strategy.” The Sixers are looking for a deal that includes Terence Man and two firsts. But the Clippers are apparently offering just the expiring contracts of Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, and Robert Covington, as well as a first-round pick and a pick swap. With the Sixers still trying to compete post-Harden trade, accepting three expiring contracts, a first-and-pick swap probably isn’t going to cut it.
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Despite that, Harden definitely wants out, and the Sixers can’t wait until the trade deadline to see if another team suddenly becomes interested. By then, there will only be around 30 games left in the season and Harden will be an unrestricted free agent. With the two sides far apart and the Sixers needing to move him soon, the Clippers are probably hoping to force their hand.