James Harden still wants the Philadelphia 76ers to trade him to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of Bally Sports. Harden intends to never play for the Sixers again.

The Clippers and Sixers have discussed the framework of a Harden trade, but the two sides never got close to a deal, according to NBA insider Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia. The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after he agreed to pick up his $35.6 million player option for next season in June. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden was steep and no teams were willing or able to meet it.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

“A team source told NBC Sports Philadelphia that, while the Sixers honored Harden’s request to explore a trade with the Clippers, they never got close to a deal,” Levick wrote. “The Sixers don’t feel a Harden trade would make sense unless it supports the organization’s priority of maximizing its championship odds, a source said.”

In 58 games for the Sixers in 2022-23, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 44.1% from the floor, 38.5% from 3 and 86.7% from the free-throw line. He led the NBA in assists per game for the second time in his career.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

If Harden isn’t traded before training camp starts and he holds out for more than 30 days, the Sixers can prevent him from entering free agency in the summer of 2024, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN. Since Harden is in the final year of his contract, different NBA holdout rules would apply to him if he decided not to report to training camp and play.

Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.