Former Warriors GM Weighs In On Clippers-Sixers’ James Harden Talks

The Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden saga has yet to find the finish line. Throughout the offseason, the narrative surrounding Harden’s availability for the Sixers has changed. First, he refused to play. Then, he targeted a return date during the preseason. After failing to show up for practice in the days leading up to Harden’s targeted return date, he was ruled out entirely.

Earlier this week, Harden returned to the 76ers after a ten-day absence. Although he showed interest in playing with the team for their season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers insisted he remains back and continues to ramp up his conditioning after missing over a week’s worth of action.

Harden could still play for the Sixers again this season, but his mind hasn’t changed about wanting to be traded specifically to the Los Angeles Clippers. Therefore, the topic remains a hot one in the NBA, considering the Sixers and the Clippers can’t find common ground in negotiations.

Recently, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers weighed in on his thoughts regarding the trade discussions between the Sixers and the Clippers, showing an understanding of the situation, considering he’s got tons of front-office experience.

“When you’re doing these deals, and you’ve been doing them for a month, and there’s one team… There’s one team you’re talking to, nothing’s going to change until this: Clippers lose four in a row, Philly loses four in a row. All of a sudden, you go, ‘We got to do something.’ That’s when the offer will change. Or, something happens that’s so disruptive, then they say, ‘We don’t care, whatever your best offer is, we’re doing the deal,’” Myers explained.

From the start of the Harden saga, which dates back to the early summer when he picked up his player option with the Sixers for the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Clippers were the top team showing interest. Although there were whispers of other teams showing interest, it was minimal. At this point, the Clippers remain as Harden’s solo suitors.

Therefore, they don’t have any interest in getting Harden at a price tag that doesn’t land the ten-time All-Star at a bargain rate.

“I get what the Clippers are doing,” Myers added, alluding to LA’s decision to step away from the negotiating table once again. “They have to move on. They’ve got to start their season! Terrance Mann’s name has been ripped through every article. You think he’s not tired? He’s a good player. Ty Lue has to coach that team. Ty Lue probably went to Lawrence Frank and said, ‘Hey, enough! I got to coach a team now.’”

The Clippers fired up their 82-game schedule on Wednesday night with a 123-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Considering it’s still early on in the year, LA hasn’t found a reason to rush to trade for the Sixers’ disgruntled point guard. And if they thrive through the trade deadline, the Clippers may never feel a need to budge with their offer.

From the Sixers’ perspective, we’ve seen this scenario play out just two seasons ago. As long as the Sixers’ front office values a player at a specific price, they aren’t willing to lower their asking cost without a legitimate reason.

While Harden’s controversial public comments, mixed with inconsistent plans to play, seem like they serve as a distraction for the team with championship aspirations in 2023-2024, the Sixers haven’t wavered with their claims that they are focused on the main task at hand with or without the star guard on the floor.