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 three-time scoring champion is extremely upset at how the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise, per Iko and Amick. With all that being said, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer proposed a trade between the Sixers and Clippers.
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 10-time All-Star 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 and Harden didn’t play well in Game 6 or Game 7. Doc Rivers was fired as head coach after the season and replaced by Nick Nurse, who won the 2019 championship with the Toronto Raptors.
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. Harden wants a max contract and Philadelphia doesn’t want to give “The Beard” one.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
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 rings in franchise history, have already talked to the Sixers about a Harden trade.
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