James Harden Could Be Forced to Face Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard After Disheartening Clippers Update

The James Harden saga has gripped the NBA fanbase for most of the 2023 offseason. After a disappointing last season, where the Philadelphia 76ers crashed out of the second round in the playoffs, Harden opted for his player option in hopes of a trade. Months after back and forth with the front office, the player and the team are yet to reach an ultimatum.

With less than a week left for the regular season to start, it is looking more than likely that the 2018 MVP will be a 76ers player when the team plays their first match.

Insider reveals exclusive details about James Harden

The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Milwaukee Bucks for their first game of the season. An exciting clash is on the cards as Giannis Antetokounmpo takes on Joel Embiid while Harden faces Damian Lillard.

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According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Harden might very well suit up for this encounter despite his feisty relationship with the 76ers front office. “I’ve consistently been told that there is ‘nothing close’ on the horizon in terms of a Harden trade”, said Stein. Interestingly, he also mentioned that the 10-time NBA All-Star will be on the Sixers roster ‘by all accounts’ when they take on the Bucks.

Over the past few months, Harden has been increasingly linked to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, unlike Damian Lillard, the former MVP has yet to receive a move away from his franchise. Across the internet, reports suggest the 76ers have a very high asking price. As a result, teams like the Clippers and the Houston Rockets are struggling to reach a middle ground with the franchise in order to land James Harden.

Harden made a heartfelt confession recently

Although James Harden’s relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers has worsened over the past few months, the 3-time Scoring Champ made a heartfelt confession five days ago. “When I got traded here, my whole thing was I wanted to retire a Sixer. I wanted to be here and retire a Sixer. The front office didn’t have that in their future plan”, said Harden as per Sports Illustrated.

Harden and the 76ers’ relationship turned sour when Daryl Morey, the 76ers president, refused to offer the 34-year-old a long-term offer. For this reason, The Beard called Morey a ‘liar’ while in China.

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