James Harden has dominated NBA rumors over the past couple of days after the former NBA Most Valuable Player decided to pick up his player option with the Philadelphia 76ers for 2023-24. However, the plot twist here is that according to reports, Harden only picked up his option in order to facilitate a trade away from Philadelphia.
One particular Western Conference team has now emerged as a prime landing spot for Harden. The Los Angeles Clippers seem to be closing in on a blockbuster trade for the 10-time All-Star as Harden himself looks to suit up for his hometown.
James Harden Wants To Play For the Los Angeles Clippers
According to NBA insider Sam Amick of The Athletic, not only does Harden have a significant desire to come home to Los Angeles, but also, the Sixers are already at the negotiating table with the Clippers:
“According to sources directly involved in the situation on both sides, the Los Angeles native wants to play for the Clippers and the Sixers are already in the process of discussing his desired move. Harden is, according to sources close to him, extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization,” Amick wrote in his report.
There’s quite a bit to unpack here. For starters, it seems that the Sixers and the Clippers are now on the brink of announcing a blockbuster trade. All parties seem to want this deal done. Moreover, even Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have reportedly green-lighted the potential arrival of James Harden.
Another important aspect to note here is that Harden appears to be totally disillusioned with life in Philly. It seems that the 33-year-old feels that he deserves better treatment from the Sixers and that at this point, he no longer sees a path back to return. Earlier NBA rumors hinted at the possibility of Harden already having played his last game with the 76ers. Those reports could be right.
Are The Bucks Still In The Mix For James Harden?
Wisconsin Sports Heroics previously reported that the Bucks have emerged as a potential landing spot for James Harden. On paper, the seven-time All-NBA guard would be a great fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the team. With Harden in the mix, you would expect Milwaukee to pop out as one of the favorites to go all the way in 2023-24.
To be perfectly honest, though, the Bucks were always a long shot. While technically speaking they may have the necessary capital to pull off a trade, it appears that opposing teams might have more to offer to the Sixers than what Milwaukee can produce. Given this new development with the Clippers, it now feels that the Bucks lost even more of whatever steam they may have had in the race for James Harden.
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