There is no telling whether the Los Angeles Clippers will be able to pull off a trade for disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden.
What we do know is that Los Angeles has shown a ton of interest in Harden since he requested a trade from Philadelphia. The former NBA MVP has made it clear behind the scenes that he wants to land in Southern California. Meanwhile, 76ers front office head Daryl Morey continues to play hard ball as Harden continues to be away from the team.
The NBA season starting without drama involving a star player wouldn’t be normal. It should extend well beyond opening week, too.
According to this note from ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Clippers are still very much looking to acquire Harden. However, they are still in on acquiring former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon from the Portland Trail Blazers.
How things come full circle. Brogdon was nearly dealt from the Boston Celtics to the Los Angeles Clippers in a three-team trade this past summer that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. That fell through due to concerns over a significant medical issue relating to the veteran guard.
Ultimately, Brogdon was sent packing to Portland in the deal that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston later in the offseason. He’s presumably on the block.
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Los Angeles Clippers desperately looking for point guard help
This most-recent report is the clearest indication yet that the Clippers want to find an upgrade at point guard during the early part of the 2023-24 NBA season.
Veteran Russell Westbrook is currently the starter with Bones Hyland backing him up. How much of an upgrade Brogdon would be is up for debate.
- Russell Westbrook stats (2022-23): 15.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 7.5 APG, 44% shooting
- Malcolm Brogdon stats (2022-23): 14.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 48% shooting
Acquiring Brogdon would come at a much cheaper cost than meeting Philadelphia’s asking price for Harden. At this point, the 76ers are said to be demanding starting guard Terance Mann and multiple first-round picks. Los Angeles is countering with a first-round selection and multiple expiring contracts.
