Clippers Wants James Harden Trade Done Soon, but There's a Problem

01:00+08:00, AM. Oct. 10, 2023 By Jeremiah Santos

James Harden - Brooklyn Nets v Philadelphia 76ers - Game One

(Photo : Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PA - James Harden (#1) of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Los Angeles Clippers are still hoping to land James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers "sooner, rather than later," according to league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Woj says the Clippers would like to get a trade done for James Harden "sooner, rather than later". He added that LA doesn't want to increase their offer, given they are the only team bidding.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA)

However, the Clippers their offer for the 34-year-old, as they perceive themselves as the sole contenders in the trade talks for the ten-time NBA All-Star.

The Clippers have also been exploring potential three-team scenarios, wherein certain veteran players from their roster would be traded to a third team, and in exchange, draft assets would be sent to the Sixers.

Despite continued discussions, Wojnarowski suggested that the Sixers might opt to keep Harden throughout the season.

Some individuals within the Sixers organization believe that if the 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player remains committed to playing, he is better than any player the team might acquire through a trade.

Regardless of the outcome of the ongoing Harden situation, the Sixers are determined to remain as championship contenders for the 2023-24 NBA season.

Sixers give initial asking price to Clippers

The Sixers acquiring guard Terance Mann along with multiple first-round draft picks in exchange for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

To pile up draft capital, the Clippers have been engaging in discussions with other teams to explore the possibility of acquiring pick swaps, which they can potentially include in their negotiations with Philadelphia.