James Harden wants the Philadelphia 76ers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers, but it’s “unclear” if the Clippers are interested in acquiring the former NBA MVP, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.
The Clippers are the only team Harden wants to get traded to, but since he doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, the Sixers can trade the 10-time All-Star anywhere.
“There’s only really one team that he wants to go to and that team is the Clippers,” Lowe said on his podcast. “Their level of engagement here to me is unclear/not super enthusiastic. … I don’t know what to make of the possibility that Harden would ever go back to Philly. I continue to hear from people who would know that the bridge is burned.
“But that’s what people who would know would say on July 17, with two months or whatever before training camp.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
After Harden learned about the Sixers’ plans to not give him a max contract this offseason, he opted into his player option and requested a trade. The future Hall of Famer believes he should be compensated fairly after averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists last season while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
Harden is extremely upset at the way in which Philly handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise. There was initially strong optimism on Harden’s side that he would be traded to the Clippers since 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, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
However, it’s possible the Clippers’ front office may not be interested in acquiring Harden, especially since they re-signed Russell Westbrook. Both Westbrook and Harden are ball-dominant players.
Harden intends to “never wear” a Sixers uniform again, sources told NBA Analysis Network. The Sixers, though, are comfortable taking their time with Harden’s trade request.
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