The Los Angeles Clippers are pursuing additional draft assets from other teams in order to improve their offer to the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers to the Clippers and Los Angeles stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook want the Clippers to acquire Harden, league sources told NBA Analysis Network.
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, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
According to 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, 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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