James Harden, Desire To Join Clippers Still A Subject Of Speculation
The last time we heard anything concrete about a deal for James Harden, the Los Angeles Clippers walked out of the negotiations, in contrast to the Damian Lillard situation, which seems to be heading toward a resolution in the coming days. Since then, all that has happened is that Harden and Daryl Morey are picking fights.
James Harden is still hoping to join the LA Clippers, according to insiders, and this ongoing dynamic in Philadelphia
The sources said that while waiting for Harden to report to camp and play for a title contender, Philadelphia staffers may still convince themselves that Harden will play his way into the trade value the Sixers need to get rid of the All-Star.
How fanciful is that? Harden has previously stated that he will never join a group that Philadelphia president Daryl Morey is a member of. More pyrotechnics are in store for the Sixers, whether they take place at their practice facility in Camden, New Jersey, or when they temporarily travel to Colorado Springs for training camp.
According to league insiders who spoke to NBC Sports, Harden wants to move to Los Angeles mainly because he thinks Steve Ballmer’s Clippers would be one team prepared to give him a large contract next summer. The idea that he may succeed there with this team and in the welcoming, temperate metropolis of Los Angeles also plays a role.
They are only interested in Harden’s and the Clippers’ conditions. While Harden would fit very well on the court with that combination (and historically is more durable), the Clippers are not giving up much to take this one (final?) swing with this core. This season, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are running it back instead.
A player who can keep them competitive and doesn’t want to commit to a long-term contract is what Morey wants in addition to many first-round choices. Even under the best conditions, that is difficult to convince someone of.
Since Harden has no other significant suitors, Los Angeles has little reason to improve its lowball offer, which allegedly includes veteran matching salaries for players like Robert Covington and Marcus Morris as well as a few choices.
Other GMs in the league are aware of Harden’s desire for a huge new contract next summer and are unwilling to become the next chapter in that story after witnessing him force his way off of three teams in four years (Houston, Brooklyn, and now Philadelphia).
Philadelphia decides to send Harden back to camp and wait and see what happens after taking all of it into account. The Clippers and the rest of the league are getting their popcorn and settling in to enjoy the show.
