Days After Sixers Shut Down Trade Talk, James Harden Could Still Play With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George Under One Condition,?per?Insider

The NBA summer has been buzzing with rumors and speculation, with Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden dominating headlines. It’s no secret that Harden wants to wear the famous Clippers uniform next season. This is because he keeps on reminding the world that he is unhappy with his current team. Not only has he spoken about his distress, but he has also gone to extents that attracted fines towards him.

The trade talks have, however, come to an end. But there is an intrigue surrounding his possible departure on one condition that keeps captivating fans and experts alike.

The possibility of Harden’s trade depends on one condition

James Harden ensured his financial future by activating his contract option for the 2023-2024 season, and then soon announced his wish to be transferred. The Sixers spoke with the Clippers in the hopes of making Harden’s desire come true. The Clippers’ front office, however, did not come to the table with an appealing enough offer to cement the deal. Due to this, his hopes of joining Paul George and Kawhi Leonard at the Clippers look very slim. Hence, this keeps Harden in a Sixers uniform as September progresses and training camp approaches.

Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has said firmly that he wants a star player for Harden. After all, it’s a position he has successfully held throughout the Ben Simmons dispute in 2021. In such an instance, Morey is likely to take a similar stance. However, if other star player alternatives become less available, the road to trade might just be possible.

Read More: 4 Years After the China Controversy, 10x All-Star James Harden Visits Special Place, Amid Clippers?Trade?Rumors

Is there any chance for Clippers supporters who want to see Harden in their uniform? ESPN’s Zach Lowe, a famous NBA insider, feels there is a tiny chance, but it would need an unusual mix of circumstances. He said, “The only play I see for the Sixers here is to bring [Harden] to camp. Hope he plays pretty well, and the Clippers and some other teams with high expectations sputter over their first 20 games and get desperate.”

What is the plan of action for the Sixers currently?

For the time being, the Sixers are prepared for the potential of Harden’s absence, something that has before occurred in the NBA. Even in the middle of trade rumors and unhappiness, Harden has shown a desire to show up and play. His patience with such situations, however, proved temporary during his stay with the Houston Rockets in 2020. The Sixers’ best-case scenario is to obtain an equal-value great player in return for Harden. This will allow them to keep their championship hopes alive. Nonetheless, purchasing important draft assets to allow future flexibility still remains a realistic option for them.

As the NBA offseason begins, the focus in Philadelphia is on reintroducing James Harden into the group. The intrigue surrounding his ultimate destination will surely play out in due time, but one thing is certain. That is,?if Harden wears the Clippers jersey, after all, the NBA landscape might change drastically.

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