Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook want the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources told NBA Analysis Network. Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Clippers.
Harden has been in touch with Leonard, George and Westbrook since his trade request. Harden and Westbrook were teammates on the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. Both guards were born and raised in California.
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 yet.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
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. League sources told NBA Analysis Network that the Sixers and Clippers are not close to making a Harden trade.
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.
The Clippers envision starting Harden, Westbrook, George, Leonard and Ivica Zubac. LAC is the only team interested in trading for Harden, league sources said.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Harden has career NBA averages of 24.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists. The Clippers, who have zero championships in franchise history, believe they can win it all this season with Harden in the fold next to George, Leonard and Westbrook. It will be fascinating to see if the Clippers are able to acquire The Beard.
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