While the entire world was focused on a trade that had everyone on their feet, James Harden struggled to find his way out of Philadelphia. The veteran guard has been with the organization for one and a half seasons. However, the 76ers had two failed playoff stints even though he tried his best while playing alongside MVP Joel Embiid. Following the 2022-23, Harden was eligible for a player option.
Unfortunately, the 10x All-Star requested a trade from the Sixers. Despite the request, Sixers President Daryl Morey convinced the player to stay and opt-in for the $35.6 million player option. Morey may have promised to trade Harden if he signed the available option which is probably why he proceeded to do it. The Beard stated that his interests were in the LA Clippers and Houston Rockets.
Morey and his team had a few conversations with the Clippers. However, these conversations never materialized into a trade, and the Sixers closed discussions involving James Harden. The former MVP publicly renounced his relationship with Morey and called him a liar. Harden was fined $100,000 as a result of his actions and the Sixers prepared to enter an awkward training camp.
The Sixers plan on re-engaging James Harden-Clippers trade
Things have been fairly silent with the Sixers regarding James Harden’s future. While this trade was put on hold, another trade had everyone around the world in shock. After witnessing a similar pattern of events, the Portland Trail Blazers finally traded Damian Lillard. However, Lillard did not get acquired by the Miami Heat. Turns out the Heat was not even remotely involved in this trade. The Milwaukee Bucks landed the 7x All-Star in exchange of Jrue Holiday and a few first-round picks.
With competition getting extremely tight within the Eastern Conference, sources have now revealed that the Sixers are re-engaging in trade talks with the Clippers. While Jrue recently got traded to Portland, several teams are still showing interest in acquiring the veteran star. Among these teams are the Sixers and Clippers. The only reason Philadelphia might be interested in Holiday is because the Clippers are trying to get involved.
#Sources — Philadelphia is in trade talks with Portland on Jrue Holiday. 76ers are trying to re-engage the LA Clippers in a proposed three-team trade that would send James Harden to Los Angeles. #NBA
— NBATradeReport (@NBATradeReport) September 29, 2023
Sources further revealed that the 76ers are trying to facilitate a three-team trade, possibly similar to the Lillard-Bucks deal. The Sixers, Clippers, and Blazers could indulge in a swap to get James Harden to LA. However, the only other team that might contest Philly’s advances is the Boston Celtics.
