Amid James Harden Inching Closer to Former Thunder Teammate Reunion, $11,000,000 NBA Champion Gets Hauled Into 76ers Exit

James Harden?s trade request has caused ripples in the league. A championship has remained miles away, and the Guard wasn?t patient enough in Philly. This is the third time in a few seasons the player wants to change his city. This request came despite the Guard having the league?s reigning MVP Joel Embiid as his Center. However, he’s searching for a better fit or perhaps a more alluring market in LA.

Amidst this, one of his current teammates may also land alongside him, but unlike Harden, he can?t demand that much.

Will James Harden?s teammate reunite with him again?

Now, one thing is clear, Philadelphia 76ers have their work cut out in the whole scenario. The specificity of the request has put them off. They have constantly tried to convince Harden to stay, but the Guard wouldn?t concede to them. Owner Josh Harris met the All-Around phenom personally, but even that didn?t work at all. Now that his heart is set for the Clippers, the 76ers will have to craft a solid trade so that they get something substantial in return.?

With his patience running just after one and a quarter seasons, the city of Brotherly Love needs to search for a playmaking replacement. Amidst this chaos for them, as per Hoopshype’s Michael Sotto, reports emerge, stating PJ Tucker?s name is also figuring in the trade talks. Tucker has spent many seasons with the top-quality Guard, first in Houston Rockets and then in Philly. Harden took a pay cut of $15 million just last year around this time. This enabled the team to notch Tucker on a $11 million per year contract.

For a Forward who can guard top players such as Kevin Durant and many more, the salary of $11 million doesn?t seem much. The trouble is that what can the Clippers offer in return? If the trade does happen, it will reunite Harden with another former teammate, Russell Westbrook. The Guard was his backcourt mate in both the Thunder and the Rockets. Westbrook signed a 2-year $8 million contract with the Clippers in what is historically the biggest pay cut. He was getting paid more than $40 million a year before that.

Read more:??He?s Leaving?: Amid James Harden?s Trade Fiasco, Joel Embiid?s Cryptic ?Anywhere Else? From 76ers Admission Gets Lambasted by NBA Fans

But will the Clippers get what they want out of the oft-disgruntled player?

Is there an incentive to keep Harden?

Despite having a solid squad around him in the 76ers, the Guard isn?t impressed after the team crashed out in the East Semis against Celtics. In terms of finances, perhaps, he was anticipating a Supermax contract, north of $50 million per year, which the team was eligible to offer. The absence of such talks is possibly why the Guard chose to exercise his $35 million contract to demand a trade. The 76ers also have to pay him around $12 million from last season when he took the pay cut.

Harden remains one of the best playmakers and his assortments of scoring skills are desirable. However, if he is seeking a Supermax, then teams are likely to turn away. Recently, his former squad, Houston Rockets? head coach Ime Udoka, reportedly didn?t want him on the team. This can be also a result of the player seeking a change in scenery after a brief span, which tampers with the long-term plans.

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Do you think Tucker and Harden will land in the Clippers soon or will there be no trade at least till October? Do share in the comments below.