Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that James Harden has reported to the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp in Colorado. The drama involving the former NBA MVP who has been pursuing a trade from the Sixers will continue, however.
As the team begins to prepare for the 2023-24 NBA season, Wojnarowski hypothesizes that Harden will start to make things difficult. Harden has been attempting to force a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers for what seems like the entirety of the offseason. Due to the fact that Los Angeles is significantly over the salary limit, he was unable to become a free agent, leading to his decision to re-sign with Philadelphia.
In contrast to the Damian Lillard situation, it is difficult to envision other teams making significant Harden trade offers. He is, after all, an aging icon in this league who is seeking a maximum contract. The only reason the Clippers are interested in trading for him is because Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will become free agents after this season. If they fail to advance far in the playoffs, both players may leave the team.
The Clippers are in a much stronger position as a result of the deteriorating state of affairs on both parties. Since the Sixers are the only team seriously interested in trading for him, it is relatively simple for the Clippers to strike a deal with them.
In theory, Los Angeles could offer multiple expiring contracts of role players, middle-tier youth players, and one first-round pick to acquire Harden.
Philadelphia’s insistence on obtaining a quality return has contributed to the conflict between Harden and the 76ers, specifically Daryl Morey. They reportedly wanted multiple first-round picks in exchange for the All-Star guard, but the Clippers have been reticent to part with that draft capital.
Ultimately, however, it makes sense for the Clippers to wait. They hold all the leverage in this situation, and as Harden prepares to make the 76ers even more uneasy when he reports to training camp, they may be more willing to tolerate a sunk cost.
