76ers guard James Harden picked up his $35.6 million option on the eve of free agency to facilitate a trade out of Philadelphia, and talks of his next destination have moved quickly, with the Clippers reportedly most interested.
The Clippers are the “most prominent” team in trade talks for James Harden, per @wojespn:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2023
- Trade discussions have already begun between the Sixers and other teams.
- Clippers are not interested in trading any of their “good young players” for Harden.
- Philadelphia wants real… pic.twitter.com/hNkYG2QboK
A potential deal between Los Angeles and Philadelphia would likely exclude Paul George, as the Clippers are focused on forming a Big Three around Kawhi Leonard, George and Harden. It is unclear how Los Angeles views free agent Russell Westbrook, but he could re-sign with the Clippers to form a foursome of stars.
A potential Clippers starting lineup if they re-sign Russell Westbrook and trade for James Harden
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 29, 2023
Russell Westbrook
James Harden
Paul George
Kawhi Leonard
Ivica Zubac pic.twitter.com/OmSdRypyKr
Less than 24 hours ago, the Clippers waived Eric Gordon. When considering Los Angeles traded sharpshooter Luke Kennard and a first-round pick that became Cam Whitmore to get Gordon, the decision didn't immediately make sense.
So the Clippers traded Luke Kennard, John Wall, and the pick swap that turned into Cam Whitmore for 27 games of Eric Gordon. https://t.co/Gfq3f5nKyy
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 29, 2023
However, the Clippers opened up a roster spot at guard, which could be filled by Harden — clearly an upgrade.
Both Harden and the Clippers are searching for their first championships while understanding their windows for contention are shrinking. When counting the fact that Harden is from the Los Angeles area, the photoshops of the "Beard" in a Clippers uniform could become a reality.
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