![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Imago-8.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Imago-8.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
After waiting all summer, Jimmy Butler didn’t get Damian Lillard on his team. Despite Lillard being hell-bent on coming to the Heat, things didn’t pan out. This must have caused disappointment among the Miami Heat, which has not taken the superstar route. Butler and Adebayo both have reached two finals in four seasons, more than any other team in that window.
However, perhaps they are lacking someone who can take over games, apart from Butler. Thus, their quest for bringing such a player took a hit when the Trail Blazers traded Lillard to the Bucks. The sharpshooter doesn’t look perturbed because he has a great chance at the title alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Despite knocking off Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the first round last season, the Heat hasn’t been satisfied. They want the title. Is James Harden the answer?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Jimmy Butler and Co. land James Harden?
On paper, he answers many Heat questions. A stellar playmaker who can elevate Adebayo further offensively in the PNR situations. He brings an A-game offensively and can do it all from the floor. However, his tendency to bolt from teams at a hat’s drop is seen as a liability. Therefore, in June, Charania reported that only the Heat and the Clippers are the interested parties.
“The 76ers will work on a trade of the 10-time All-Star out of Philadelphia. And when you look at the landscape around the league, the 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 are expected to emerge in this process for James Harden.”
— @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/Uo0jVUU3ky
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) October 6, 2023
Fast forward to October, and the Heat’s push can get vigorous after missing out on Dame Time. After missing out on the Lillard sweepstakes, Butler was “pissed off” at Bucks for doing away with their core after trading Holiday. However, he knows that his organization would also like to work such magic. Like Lillard, Harden also declared Clippers, as his specific location. The Clippers have shown mutual interest, but they have traded carefully. They want to save their assets in case The Beard asks out again, with just one year into the contract.
But having just one year of his contract can also mean that the Clippers are going to pay less than $40 million for last season’s NBA assists leader. In that wake, Charania has another revelation.
Will Daryl Morey put James Harden out of his misery?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Charania has dug that the Clippers are willing to stake their unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap for James Harden. It means that even they are unwilling to offer a whole lot for someone who is still one of the most completely offensive players in the league.
The Clippers are offering a package including an unprotected first-rounder and a pick swap for James Harden, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
The latest on the James Harden saga, from The Bounce ⤵️https://t.co/Jf6oYqWf3U pic.twitter.com/Xr2p4reRHj
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) October 6, 2023
Currently, the Guard is participating in team practice for the 76ers and may be available for their preseason window. He is doing this to avoid further fines, having suffered a $100,000 hit for skipping media day. If Morey accepts the Clippers’ offer, he can help Harden relieve his anxieties. However, the liar comments in China, he seems to be in vendetta mode against him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
When will this James Harden-Daryl Morey saga end? It is now becoming an exhausting endeavor for many NBA fans.
Watch This Story: Ray of Hope Lost for James Harden? Detrimental Jrue Holiday Update Shows Ex-MVP May Be Stuck With 76ers for Longer