Harden and the 76ers are working together to explore possible deals, but would the Clippers be willing to part with the assets it would take to acquire the 10-time All-Star?
The NBA free agency period starts Friday afternoon, but the Clippers already are rumored to be making moves that could set themselves up for a title run.
But there are so many moving parts to a proposed deal that would bring 10-time All-Star James Harden to the Clippers, it could take a day or two to figure out whether 1.) it would work with the new salary cap rules and 2.) how much would the Clippers be willing to give up in return?
On Thursday, Harden exercised his $35.6 million contract option for the upcoming season, enabling both he and the Philadelphia 76ers to work together to find a trade, ESPN reported. Citing unnamed sources, the Clippers and New York Knicks were mentioned as possible landing spots for Harden, a veteran point guard who would fit the Clippers’ championship plans.
The Clippers and Sixers reportedly have been in contact this week about a potential trade (or separate trades) that would send Harden and Tobias Harris to L.A. for multiple role players, according to YahooSports. The Clippers mentioned in the report were Marcus Morris Sr. and Norman Powell, but it could include Robert Covington or a combination of young players, such as Terance Mann, Amir Coffey and Brandon Boston Jr., along with several draft picks.
But it is believed that Philadelphia will want value for Harden and that could mean the Clippers would have to possibly send additional role players, such as Terance Mann, or be willing to break up the tandem of All-Star wings Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
George has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, with NBA Insider Marc Stein the first to report that the Clippers were exploring trade options involving the eight-time All-Star. Another report said the Portland Trailblazers and Clippers “briefly” discussed swapping George for Scoot Henderson, the No.
