Lakers News: Writer Expects LA To Be In Running For James Harden In Free Agency Next Summer

The big trade that went down recently of James Harden going from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers sent some shockwaves through the NBA. While the trade didn’t involve the Lakers, they are impacted since he is now on one of their biggest rivals.

However, some don’t believe the pairing will work out and that Harden could have a hard time finding a new home next season if that were to happen. But one writer doesn’t believe that Harden will be out of the league if his situation with the Clippers doesn’t work, but rather that he could be had for the mid-level exception. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report explains.

“If all Harden costs next summer is the mid-level exception, there should still be a number of asset-strapped contenders (Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns) that should welcome him to their core.”

Per Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report

The Lakers would make some sense for Harden, especially if they can have him at a discount, but he may be more of a headache at this point in his career. He leaves organizations worse off than when he joined them, and he is nowhere near the same player that he was even a few years ago.

He still showed out for the 76ers last season, and he helped keep them afloat in the postseason. There will be teams lining up to land him on a more team-friendly deal.

“The 10-time All-Star still led the NBA in assists last season (10.7), averaged over 20 points per game for the 11th straight season and had some monster playoff performances (40-plus points in two games against the Boston Celtics).”

Per Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report

I don’t believe that Harden will go down to the mid-level exception next season, even if it doesn’t work with the Clippers. He could be worth around $15 million a year, assuming he can still put up solid offensive numbers. But that could drop down if he shows that he can’t work with the other stars on the Clippers.

“Even if things with the Clippers go south, it's unfathomable to think that Harden wouldn't even get a contract offer from one of the 30 teams next year.”

Per Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report

The biggest issue with Harden is that he tends to slow down a team’s offense, due to his iso-ball style. It doesn’t work with most teams around the league, but someone will offer him a chance to join their roster.

He also has an image problem that he has to deal with. Harden has jumped from team to team in recent years, which isn’t a great look to potential front offices that could be interested in signing him next summer.

This certainly is an interesting situation to monitor, and maybe Harden could switch to the other locker room in Los Angeles. Only time will tell, but right now, the Lakers are focused on who they have currently.

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