While the Los Angeles Clippers would like to have James Harden on the roster to start the season this month, a fresh report suggests a new hurdle might prohibit a deal from happening until later in the season.
One of the biggest storylines ahead of the 2023-2024 NBA season is where James Harden will be playing. The 10-time All-Star requested a trade after opting into the final year of his contract this summer. However, months have passed and a trade out of town has gotten no closer.
Related: Los Angeles Clippers reportedly working hard to meet 76ers wild James Harden trade asking price
Even the Damian Lillard trade saga came to an end earlier this month as the Portland Trail Blazers great was shipped off to the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster three-team deal. That is why many around the league are wondering if the Philadelphia 76ers will look to avoid the awkwardness of an unhappy Harden on the roster and try to trade him before the season kicks off in a few weeks.
However, the future Hall-of-Famer only wants to go to the Los Angeles Clippers and they also seem to be the one team with serious interest in landing the aging star. But the two sides can’t seem to hammer out a deal that both organizations are happy with.
Los Angeles Clippers unwilling to increase current offer for James Harden
It was recently reported that the Clippers were looking high and low to try and get the pieces together to meet the 76ers asking price for the guard. However, on Sunday ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski had an interesting update on the situation.
LA allegedly would like to get a deal for James Harden done “sooner rather than later.” But since they seem to be the only serious contender in the trade chase, the team isn’t going to bid against themselves and have reached a limit on what they are willing to offer.
Harden is currently at the 76ers keep as they prepare for the start of the season, and there have been rumblings that a trade may end up taking place during the season instead of before it begins. This latest report seems to strengthen that likelihood.
Philadelphia is believed to want multiple first-round picks in a deal for Harden.