Sixers, Clippers Expected to ‘Engage Again’ in James Harden Talks

The James Harden trade saga continues to drag out this offseason. As the Philadelphia 76ers approached the 2023 free agency period, they discovered they wouldn’t have to bid for Harden’s return. Instead, the ten-time All-Star picked up his player option for the next year.

However, that didn’t guarantee that Daryl Morey’s wish to have Harden back would happen. Along with picking up his option, Harden requested a trade from the 76ers. Frustrated with his lack of interest going into the free agency period this summer, Harden felt that picking up the $35 million option was the best business decision.

Now, he reportedly hopes to make that money while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers, New York Knicks, and other unnamed teams have been linked to Harden this offseason, but only LA remains consistently in the conversation for Harden’s services. Unfortunately for the Clippers, the Sixers don’t feel pressured to move Harden at this time.

But a report from The Athletic notes that the Sixers and the Clippers are “expected to engage again in discussions on a Harden trade this offseason.” Considering we’ve entered the dog days of the NBA offseason, with training camp nearly two months away, neither the Clippers nor the Sixers feel the need to change their stance in trade discussions.

While time tends to heal situations, it seems Harden’s desire to be moved doesn’t seem to go away. Nearly a month after his initial trade request, Harden reportedly reiterated to the Sixers that he wanted to be traded for the 2023-2024 season. Although Harden appeared to be on great terms with his current teammates, attending events with them over the summer break, Harden’s mind hasn’t been swayed in a different direction.

According to Shams Charania, Harden “still prefers to be moved.” The Sixers, as Daryl Morey previously noted, are working to honor that wish. Does that mean a deal will happen sooner than later? Not necessarily. Since the Sixers remain intent on landing another notable standout player to swap out for Harden, the assumed package of Clippers role players won’t move the needle. Eventually, somebody will have to cave in order to get a deal done. Right now, neither team is budging.