All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are said to be on board with the idea of former NBA MVP James Harden joining the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Sam Amick and Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and is working with the Philadelphia 76ers on a trade. The 10-time All-Star, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, wants to get traded to the Clippers.
“While it seems likely that he’ll land with the Clippers, it remains to be seen whether his longtime basketball partner, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, will grant this unexpected wish,” Amick and Iko wrote. “Sources say, however, that there is strong optimism on Harden’s side that it will indeed happen. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are said to be on board with the idea of Harden potentially joining their core, according to sources.”
Leonard, George and Harden are three of the best players in the NBA. The Clippers could be title contenders next season if Harden joined Leonard and George in Los Angeles.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard & Paul George Updates
The Clippers lost to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games, while the Sixers got bounced by the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists this past season while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career and helped big man Joel Embiid win the MVP Award.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard & Paul George Updates
Most insiders around the NBA thought Harden would decline his 2023-24 player option and sign a new contract with the Sixers. However, Harden is extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization.
The Sixers and Clippers have already talked about a Harden trade. It will be fascinating to see if a deal is reached soon.
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