The Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are currently in talks regarding a potential trade for star guard James Harden, according to league sources. With the regular season set to begin in a week, both teams are actively engaged in negotiations. Here’s what you need to know about the situation:
1. Harden’s Absence: Harden has not attended any of the 76ers’ three preseason games and has even skipped a shootaround. He has only participated in one five-on-five live competition since the start of training camp two weeks ago.
2. Harden’s Preference: The star guard has expressed his desire to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. It’s important to note that Harden is slated to become a free agent next summer, adding another layer of complexity to the trade discussions.
3. Turbulent Offseason: This offseason has been filled with drama for both Harden and the Sixers. Harden publicly called out Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the 76ers, labeling him a “liar” and stating that he would never be a part of an organization that Morey is associated with.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the timeline of events surrounding the James Harden-76ers trade saga, you can refer to The Athletic’s comprehensive article on the topic.
Backstory: On October 2, Harden skipped Philadelphia’s media day. Morey acknowledged that Harden is actively seeking a trade and that the Sixers are working with his representation to find a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
Harden’s Decision: Despite his desire to be traded, Harden made the decision to participate in training camp with the 76ers. He remains hopeful that a trade to the Clippers is still possible and believes that it would be wise for him to avoid being a distraction at this time.
Summer Tensions: Throughout the summer, Harden consistently expressed his desire to not play for the 76ers. He opted into his $35.6 million deal for the upcoming season to facilitate a trade out of Philadelphia. Tensions escalated when Harden referred to Morey as a “liar” during a marketing event in China after the Sixers decided to end trade talks.
NBA Investigation and Fine: The NBA launched an inquiry into Harden’s comments and subsequently fined him $100,000 for his public trade demands. In response, the National Basketball Players Association announced that they would file a grievance regarding the disciplinary action.
Harden’s Performance: Last season, Harden averaged 21 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. He played a crucial role in helping the 76ers reach the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they ultimately lost in seven games to the Boston Celtics.
For more in-depth coverage of this ongoing trade saga and to stay updated on the latest developments, be sure to check out The Athletic’s required reading section.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are actively engaged in trade discussions for star guard James Harden. Harden’s absence from preseason games and his desire to be traded to the Clippers have added fuel to the ongoing drama surrounding this situation. As the regular season approaches, both teams are working towards finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.