What’s the hold up in the Sixers attempts to trade James Harden?
James Harden has been able to force his way off two teams in the past few seasons, but his current attempt with the Philadelphia 76ers is not going as smoothly.
Despite his desire to join the Los Angeles Clippers, it seems that the Clippers are not as interested in acquiring Harden as he is in joining them.
According to Sixers insider Kyle Neubeck, the Clippers have not been seriously considering the trade package they would offer for Harden.
Even the Clippers, Harden’s preferred destination, have been fairly unserious about what they’re willing to give up in order to acquire him. The prevailing sentiment seems to be that Harden is still valued, but on the team’s terms, which is a shift from the franchise-defining clout Harden had at his peak.
There will still be a market for him regardless, but at the moment, it seems like there’s a disconnect between what the player wants it to be and what teams think it is. Too much unknown to factor in over the next year to give a real answer, though.
While other teams still see value in Harden, he no longer holds the same level of influence as before in pushing for trades.
Sixers president Daryl Morey has made it clear that he would only trade Harden if they receive an equivalent star in return.
However, the Clippers’ stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have not been mentioned as potential trade pieces.
Instead, the trade package being discussed includes players like Norman Powell, Terrance Mann, and Marcus Morris, who may not meet Morey’s criteria.
Harden recently opted into his $35.6 million player option for next season instead of becoming a free agent.
This allows him to secure a large payday and gives the Sixers control over facilitating a trade to a team that might not have cap space to sign him outright.
However, this also means that the Sixers still have control over Harden’s future.
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