James Harden began showing interest in joining the Los Angeles Clippers as early as late June, prior to the decision to opt into the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers to facilitate a trade, according to NBA insider Law Murray of The Athletic.
Russell Westbrook was aware of Harden’s interest in playing for the Clippers prior to re-signing with the franchise. Harden and Westbrook were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. The two MVPs are very close friends.
Harden wants the Sixers to trade him to the Clippers. However, Murray doesn’t believe a trade is close to happening.
“The Clippers will still keep a pulse on that potential deal and other smaller ones that would achieve the ideals of consolidating the depth on the roster; as president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said on draft night,” Murray wrote.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
“The roster the Clippers have now may not be the same roster when the season begins in the fall or when it continues in winter’s trade deadline or when it finalizes in time for a spring postseason run,” Murray explained.
Harden averaged 21.0 points and 10.7 assists last season for the Sixers. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career and helped Joel Embiid win his first MVP Award. Most people around the NBA thought Harden would decline his 2023-24 player option and re-sign with the Sixers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
However, the future Hall of Famer is extremely upset at the way in which Philly handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the franchise.
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