The Los Angeles Clippers would like to acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers “sooner rather than later,” according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Harden requested a trade from the Sixers to the Clippers in June. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George want the Clippers to acquire Harden, according to NBA insider Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. Harden has spoken to Leonard and George since requesting a trade from Philadelphia.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has a rapport with Leonard and George and is close friends with Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook. Harden and Westbrook were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets.
The Sixers agreed to search out a trade upon Harden’s request after Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option for this season in June. However, Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden is steep and no teams have been able to meet it.
In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. 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 the Clippers acquire Harden, they could start Harden, Westbrook, George, Leonard and Ivica Zubac. LAC is the only team interested in trading for Harden, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
According to NBA insiders Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Clippers offered the Sixers an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap and salaries for Harden in July. Philadelphia has valued Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks.
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