Despite “Untouchable” Status, Daryl Morey and Co Adamant on 27YO Clippers Starlet In Any James Harden Deal 

With every trade that James Harden chooses, drama ensues. His previous moves from Rockets and Nets did not go smoothly. And it now looks like his requested trade from 76ers will follow suit. This is because, the supposed negotiations between the two teams has reportedly come to a standstill. 

In June, Harden chose to ask for a trade, despite playing just one season with the Sixers. Although he claimed his wishes were to retire with the team, his non-inclusion in their long-term future forced him to make this decision. And he chose the Los Angeles Clippers. But things are not moving as smoothly as he had expected.  

Why did the talks come to a standstill?

According to Keith Pompey of the The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers’ asking price in exchange for Harden was a first-round pick, first-round pick swap, and their 27 year-old point guard, Terance Mann. 

But now, it is being reported that the Clippers are not willing to trade their guard after the meeting on Monday. Although Mann is not a star-player, he showed solid potential last season. He averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. With this refusal, it is now back to square one and it seems like Darly Morey, Sixers President of basketball operation is frustrated. 

According to reports, Morey believes that Lawrence Frank, Clippers President of basketball operation, was being unserious about getting the deal done. Some say that he “even quipped that they should just trade Clippers star Paul George for Harden”. This, however, was immediately declined. 

Harden was a no-show at practice 

With all talks in stalemate, it looks like Harden is also letting his feelings be known. The 34 year-old has not been seen with the Sixers since Sunday. He missed the team’s shoot around and Monday’s preseason win in Brooklyn. He was also absent from the practice session on Wednesday. 

Read More : “Have a Conversation With Daryl Morey”: Ex-Knicks All-Star Deems James Harden-76ers Situation “Salvageable” Despite Ongoing Drama

This comes after Harden’s promise last week to put his work into the team. He claimed that playing basketball was all he wanted and said he will continue to do it despite everything. But now, he is seemingly going back on his words with his no-show. As the team faces the Hawks this Saturday, doubts about his participation in it are aplenty. 

With the regular-season opener against Milwaukee on Oct. 26, there are a few questions on everyone’s mind. Will the talk come to a conclusion by then? Will Harden continue to play for Philadelphia? Watch this space as we keep you updated on all the moves. 

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