One NBA insider thinks the Philadelphia 76ers will trade James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden, who opted into his 2023-24 player option with the Sixers, has requested a trade to the Clippers and Kevin Pelton of ESPN believes Philadelphia and Los Angeles will make a deal.
“With the Clippers being the most obvious Western Conference option for Harden, and Philly’s likely preference to send him to the opposite conference, all signs point to LA as his likeliest destination,” Pelton wrote.
There is strong optimism on Harden’s side that he will be traded to the Clippers. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are said to be on board with the idea of Harden potentially joining them in Los Angeles.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Pelton believes the Clippers and Sixers would need a third team to make a Harden trade work.
“To make that kind of deal work, the Clippers would have to send enough value to get a third team to swap out a useful player for one less likely to contribute,” Pelton wrote.
“For the first time since acquiring George from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Clippers are now capable of dealing a pair of first-round picks: 2028 and 2030,” Pelton explained. “They also have Brandon Boston Jr. as a young player with value, perhaps for Washington president Michael Winger, who was part of the Clippers’ front office that drafted him in 2021.”
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last 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 Joel Embiid win the MVP Award.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
The Sixers and Clippers have already talked about a Harden trade. It will be fascinating to see if a deal is reached soon.
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.
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