Former NBA MVP James Harden wants to play for the Los Angeles Clippers next season, according to Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Harden opted into his 2023-24 player option and is working with the Philadelphia 76ers on a trade. The 10-time All-Star is extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise.
“According to sources directly involved in the situation on both sides, the Los Angeles native wants to play for the Clippers and the Sixers are already in the process of discussing his desired move,” Amick and Iko wrote. “Harden is, according to sources close to him, extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization.”
Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has a rapport with Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and could help LAC compete for a championship next season if he’s in shape and engaged.
The 33-year-old Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 2023-23 while shooting 44.1% from the field, 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 & TRADE 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 Philadelphia doesn’t want to give him one.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
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.
It will be fascinating to see where Harden is playing next season. The Clippers, who have zero championships in franchise history, have already spoken to the Sixers about a Harden trade.
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