The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly are still trying to acquire one-time NBA MVP James Harden before the start of the new season, however, they still have some work to do to meet the Philadelphia 76ers’ asking price.
Following the NBA Draft and the first week of NBA free agency, there were two major storylines in league circles that had the interest of many fans. That being if Damian Lillard and James Harden would have their trade requests met before the 2023-2024 season kicked off.
Related: James Harden expected to make things painful for Philadelphia 76ers moving forward
Well, to the surprise of many the superstar guard from the Portland Trail Blazers was in fact traded last week. But to the Milwaukee Bucks, instead of his preferred choice the Miami Heat. That left one other future Hall-of-Famer who no longer wanted to play for their team from last season.
Yet, Harden seemed to be a more difficult chip to move due to his age, only having one year left on his deal, and his preference to go to the Los Angeles Clippers.
- James Harden stats (’22-’23): 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 10.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 39% 3PT
Los Angeles Clippers searching for more first-round picks to meet Philadelphia 76ers trade demands
That desire to go to LA has reportedly not changed, however, it seems that a trade has been tough to make because the 76ers apparently have a higher-than-expected asking price for the 10-time All-Star. The Athletic’s NBA insider Sam Amick spilled the latest tea on the trade talks during a column on Thursday.
“League sources say the Clippers have been talking to several teams about ways to move pick swaps for additional draft capital with the intention of bolstering their offer and getting a deal done,” Amick wrote.
“The Clippers offered the Sixers an unprotected first-round pick, a pick swap, and salaries for Harden in July, league sources say, but Philadelphia has set a much higher threshold. The Sixers have valued fifth-year forward Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks in a potential trade with the Clippers.”
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In comparison, the Portland Trail Blazers were able to land talented big man Deandre Ayton, two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday, but just an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 for Lillard.
Despite his well-known desire to not play for 76ers’ general manager Daryl Morey this season, James Harden is currently with the team for training camp and is practicing in preparation for playing this season. The Clippers are believed to have no interest in adding stars Paul George or Kawhi Leonard in a potential deal.