How Kawhi Leonard, Paul George Affect 76ers' Harden Trade Talks
The James Harden saga with the Philadelphia 76ers seems far from its conclusion.
As long as Harden remains adamant about wanting to be traded, and the Los Angeles Clippers go without making a deal for another veteran point guard, the Sixers will continue to be linked to the Western Conference contenders as that remains the ten-time All-Star’s desired landing spot.
Unfortunately for Harden, neither team will budge on its firm stance. The Sixers want fair value in exchange for the 2022-2023 season assist leader, who also averaged over 20 points amidst a borderline All-Star campaign.
Meanwhile, the Clippers understand that Harden’s market of trade suitors has been reserved for them only, and they feel they should get Harden at a discount price compared to what the Sixers are seeking, leaving the saga at a standstill.
According to multiple reports, the Clippers are willing to send a first-round pick, salary-filler package (not including Terance Mann), and first-round pick swaps. Meanwhile, the Sixers want to find their way to an All-Star-caliber player, wanting multiple first-rounders, no pick swaps included, and potentially Mann.
It’s apparent the Clippers have been looking for other teams to get involved to help the Sixers acquire multiple first-rounders in order to get a deal done. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, that remains the case as the uncertainty of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George looms in Los Angeles.
How the All-Stars Affect the Sixers
“The Clippers have indicated they value their unprotected 2028 first-round selection quite highly, sources said, due to the uncertain futures of their roster as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George enter the final guaranteed seasons of their respective contracts. The Clippers find their pick so valuable, Los Angeles has explored dealing the first-rounder to a third team for a pair of first-rounders and therefore satisfying the Sixers’ asking price, sources said.”
As soon as Harden placed himself on the Sixers’ trade block, it was immediately noted that there wasn’t a path for the Sixers to potentially reunite Kawhi Leonard and Nick Nurse in Philadelphia. Paul George was off the table as well.
While Harden’s a big name on the trade market, the Clippers didn’t want to swap out stars in order to land him. Instead, they’ve prioritized pairing Harden alongside Leonard and George to form the NBA’s next big three combination.
But as Fischer stated, there is uncertainty surrounding LA’s biggest stars right now. Kawhi Leonard is slated to make $45 million this upcoming season, then could potentially become a free agent as early as next summer, as he has a player option looming.
Paul George is in a similar position, as he’s also slated to make $45 million, with a $48 million player option waiting for his decision ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA season. Of course, the assumption is that the Clippers will get at least two more seasons out of the star duo, but you can never be so sure in today’s NBA. Therefore, the Clippers are holding onto their other draft assets as a security blanket.
So much can change for any of the three parties involved as the 2023-2024 season progresses. Although the Clippers are unwilling to raise their offer, a slow start could cause them to budge. Or, if LA grows tired of the discussions for a one-year rental in Harden, they might take their offer elsewhere and attempt to land a different player.
While the chances of the Sixers lowering their asking price for the sake of getting a deal done sooner are low, it’s not something that should be ruled out.
Then, there’s the attitude and motivation of Harden that plays a factor as well. While he seems strongly against repairing his relationship with the team’s front office, maybe Harden puts the issues aside and plays the season out for the Sixers, giving them one last chance to win it with him. Or, he could follow a similar path of the past and make it difficult for the Sixers to ride the season out with him on the roster.
Many scenarios could take place after the preseason concludes. Harden’s been patient throughout the Sixers-Clippers’ trade discussions that have gained little traction as of late, but the ten-time All-Star hasn’t reached the point of changing his stance, which should keep the talks going.
