Does No One Except Clippers Want James Harden?

It was August 14, when James Harden, masking his emotions took the stage in China for an Adidas event. It was a smooth and enjoyable atmosphere until questions were raised about his future by a curious fan in presence. “Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” said Harden, finally providing a gateway for his intrusive thoughts. It left the NBA, its fans, and mainly the Philadelphia 76ers astounded, in a moment of total shock. It wasn’t that we hadn’t seen Harden try and scrap his way out. It happened with the Houston Rockets as well as the Brooklyn Nets.

But never did it get so ugly that he called out the same man who lured him to Philly in the first place. His outrageous trade request forced the league to interfere, handing him a hefty penalty. That’s when the origins were revealed. Morey promised Harden a move-out very early in the offseason. His destination was the Los Angeles Clippers, a reunion with his OKC buddy, Russell Westbrook. Despite reportedly giving his honor, Morey deflated any offers that were submitted for Harden. Thus began the ultimate saga that stretches to the present day.

Even as his power rests with the Sixers, the Beard is playing his role as an uncompromising and disgruntled star. No attendance at media day, preseason game and even passing on the first day of training camp. He eventually returned, but even when he practiced with full force, the tension was palpable.

Even now trade talks surround him. One name still jumping out of the waters is the Clippers. However, since they seem to be the only fish in the sea, Steve Ballmer is being stingy, and reluctant to offer substantial capital. With the above-mentioned circumstances, there is no need for the Clippers to show desperation. But what happens if another shark comes approaching the bait that is Harden in this case?

The Los Angeles Clippers have tried, but aren’t going crazy for James Harden

Last season, even with injuries being the trend, the Clippers gave the Phoenix Suns, who had a new titan in Kevin Durant a run for their money. Russell Westbrook found his lost zeal back which was drained in his with their city-rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. Paul George was back and balling at an All-Star level. While Kawhi Leonard spent most of the time rehabbing from an ACL injury, he looked vicious heading into the postseason. Then after scoring 69 points in two games against the Suns, he suffered from a meniscus tear, sidelining him once again.

However, even with the irregular splits of their stars playing, their ceiling shined through. Westbrook became a careful ball handler allowed to demonstrate his creativity with freedom. PG13 became a two-way virtuoso averaging nearly 24 points per game. Leonard found his spring in the playoffs, and is expected to have a much better and healthier 2023-24 season. Veterans Robert Convington, Nicolas Batum and Eric Gordon impacted with their wisdom while young talents like Bones Hyland elevated their game to another level.

Despite the well-rounded roster, the Clippers need someone to make plays and be a perimeter threat much due to Westbrook’s inability to space the floor. That’s where James Harden comes through. Even if he isn’t at his apex, Harden can be a regular 20-10 star, especially with the offensive motor of the Clippers. The 2018 MVP has ample playoff experience, and can never be disregarded as a lingering scoring threat. It’s the Beard, after all, one shot, one run, and he might not miss a single shot.

As per the major media outlets, the Clippers are trying to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But due to Harden’s limited demand and current status, they aren’t willing to offer much. The reported deal included pick swaps, one first-round pick, and their expiring contracts (Covington and Marcus Morris). The only plausible upgrade the Clippers might push out would be to attach Terence Mann to the deal, a player who has had trade rumors swirl around him.

Apart from that, they have no true void to replace with a disgruntled star who is on his third trade request in as many years. They are looking for stability, Harden would only be a one-year man given his contract with the Sixers. Luckily for them, the time is ticking only for Philly, who can either stay with Harden on the sidelines or make an exchange for a group that will put their colors on with pride. Either way, it’s not much the Sixers will have to celebrate.

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Harden’s trade market isn’t like a Damian Lillard where the entire league is shaking up. The 76ers will only have a handful of offers, and most won’t seem fair given the Beard’s packed resume and stature in the NBA. Yet there could be a team that could make a last-minute offer for Harden in the midst of this stale spell.

Will the Miami Heat make a run for the 10x All-Star?

No matter what the tribe, who the star is, or which seed they face, the Miami Heat are giants regardless. Over the past few seasons, they have made two finals appearances and have been the most lethal threats to dethrone the supposed favorites of the season. They did it with the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks last season. It wasn’t the first time, and probably won’t be the last. Unfortunately, free agency left them devoid of the ‘dawgs’ that made it all possible.

See last season, the Heat made an improbable yet inspiring run to the Finals, all with a cast mainly comprised of undrafted and overlooked players. Gabe Vincent and Max Strus among them played vital roles in their journey. During the offseason, they lost both of them to the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers respectively. They spent the entire duration being the favored destination for the hottest prize on the market – Damian Lillard.

Unlucky for them, the Trail Blazers backstabbed their most faithful starlet and shipped him to Miami’s rivals, the Bucks. This was a severe blow, but it opened up an opportunity to steal Jrue Holiday who was an impending trade asset for Portland. Even there, the Celtics came first with an irrefutable offer. Now, the Heat stand with Kyle Lowry as their sole playmaker. The Raptors 2019 champion can be a valuable piece as a perimeter scorer with defensive instincts. However, he isn’t fit to lead a franchise whose championship window starts and ends with a determined individual like Jimmy Butler.

He might have been loyal to the organization, but his ambition to claim victory will eventually become a priority. It’s Pat Riley and the front office’s job to keep him invested in the mission to make Vice City a city of champions once again. Here is where James Harden fits like the missing piece you desperately search for to complete a puzzle.

Heat has the assets. They can send Lowry, a few picks. and if needed even sharpshooter Duncan Robinson. It would provide them with an elite playmaker who can create his own offense and even augment Bam Adebayo with the pick-and-roll action. The only downplay is Harden’s reputation. Staying in Miami means devoting to the popular ‘Heat Culture’. It’s the attitude to stay together no matter what and fight with all that you got. In three seasons, Harden has done the opposite and ran when times got tough.

In terms of fit, the Beard could be the glue. But is his attitude something the Heat can risk? Can they gamble on him not intoxicating the locker room if the season starts going south? These are the questions they have to answer. After losing Holiday, there is only so much the Heat can do. Their rivals have lined up an alliance that is simply overbearing, even for the legendary Jimmy Buckets. If I am the Miami Heat, alone year rental for one of the most decorated and prolific scoring guards doesn’t seem like a bad deal. They don’t have the firepower to compete in the East anymore, might as well make an attempt, especially when it is available at such a cheap price.

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The Heat could and in my opinion, should play party spoilers to the Clippers’ patience plan. One move and the LA Clippers would be forced to act out of desperation. Either weaken the competition or strengthen yourself, it is a win-win for the Miami Heat. Maybe it is time to entertain James Harden wearing the coveted Miami red.