“James Harden Is Not the Answer”: Former NBA Champion With Celtics Discusses Kawhi Leonard and Co’s Title Chances With 76ers Guard

James Harden has been amongst rampant trade talks lately. His Los Angeles Clippers saga, however, seems to be never-ending. One of the biggest stories of this offseason has been Harden’s request out of the Philadelphia 76ers, making way for his links with the Clippers. Conversations regarding the idea of The Beard on the Clippers roster have only intensified over the course of the offseason. Harden has been on an aggressive ring chase in the past few years. However, he has not struck gold yet. His attempts to team up with a championship contender led to his decision to name the Clippers as his preferred trade destination.

The idea of Harden on the Clippers roster has intrigued one and all lately. Several members of the NBA world endorsed this blockbuster trade. However, a former NBA Champion thought otherwise.

A former NBA Champion weighs in on the James Harden-Clippers ‘deal’

James Harden became separated from his prime years ever since his ring chase began. However, the former MVP does not seem like he has lost much step. Known for his incredible scoring and playmaking, the NBA Top 75 List’s member has always elevated any roster he has been on. This prompted several NBA fans and former players to endorse the Harden-to-Clippers deal.

However, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, Kendrick Perkins, had a different opinion. On ESPN’s NBA Today, Perkins talked about the Clippers’ chances of winning with Harden on their roster. “I don’t think James Harden is the answer,” he said.

He further added, “We’re talking about a Clippers team who we’ve been having high expectations for over what, the last 4-5 seasons? They can’t stay healthy. And then all of a sudden, you bring in Russell Westbrook …you bring in James Harden and then what? What is he actually going to do?”

Talking about Harden’s role on the Clippers roster, he said, “If he’s unhappy in Philly right now and he has the ball in his hands, what type of position are you going to put him in when he get(s) with the Clippers? …The two guys you are going to run your offense through is Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.”

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Kendrick Perkins took a hard pass on Harden’s place in the Clippers roster. However, he did not stop there. He also mentioned what he thought a better fit for the 10 time All-Star would be.

Perkins’s say about Harden’s future

Kendrick Perkins has always ensured he makes his opinions heard. Similarly, when it came to Harden’s future destination, Perkins did not hold back. He made some interesting suggestions for The Beard’s prospective move.

“If James Harden is all about winning, then he stay(s) right where he’s at with Joel Embiid… and just won his MVP. Period,” he said.

Kendrick Perkins claimed that Harden should not make a move to the Clippers but instead stay with the Sixers to have a better chance at a championship. However, the Sixers have not had the best record in the playoffs lately. They have not managed to get past the second round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

The Clippers on the other hand made an impressive Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021 but have not had the best record in the playoffs since. Their injury concerns have led to an underwhelming run in the past two seasons, not making the playoffs in 2022 and suffering a first-round exit in 2023.

Their star-studded ‘Big Three’ of Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George looks promising, but their injury concerns raise several questions.

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Do you agree with Kendrick Perkins? Who are better suitors for James Harden’s talents, the Clippers or the Sixers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!