The Los Angeles Clippers could acquire superstar guard James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers soon, according to NBA insider Law Murray of The Athletic.
Harden is opting into his $35.6 million player option for next season with the Sixers and working with the franchise on a trade.
Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has a rapport with Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Sixers have no obligation to trade “The Beard” where he wants to go. Their job is to get the best return possible for Harden.
A 10-time All-Star, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 2023-23 while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. The future Hall of Famer led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and replaced by Nick Nurse, who won the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors over the Golden State Warriors.
Nurse and Harden met in Houston a few weeks ago and the meeting went well. However, it appears money has gotten in the way between Harden and the Sixers, as Harden wants a max contract and Philly doesn’t want to give him one.
One of the greatest players of all time, Harden has career averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Sixers. He is still looking to win his first championship.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
It will be fascinating to see where Harden is playing next season. The Clippers, who have zero championships in franchise history, could compete for the title next season with Harden, George and Leonard leading the way.
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