James Harden trade news: NBA Insider provides MASSIVE UPDATE about Clippers’ pursuit of former MVP

Harden's potential trade has captivated fans and experts during the NBA off-season.

James Harden trade news: NBA Insider provides MASSIVE UPDATE about Clippers’ pursuit of former MVP

NBA Insider provides massive update on James Harden (Image via NBA.com)

In the ever-evolving world of NBA trade rumors, the latest update surrounding James Harden‘s future has taken an interesting turn. As per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, it seems more and more probable that Harden is expected to continue with ⁠ the Philadelphia 76ers for the upcoming season, in contrast to his hopes of being traded elsewhere.

‘The Beard’, who recently exercised his player option for the 2023-24 season worth $35.6 million, had ⁠ been exploring trade options outside of Philadelphia after contract discussions collapsed between the two parties. Despite an endorsement from their star players, the 76ers have shown reluctance in entertaining trade deals, including the one proposed by the LA Clippers, according to reports from The Athletic.

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This impasse has created a stalemate, leaving both Harden and the Sixers in an uneasy situation as they head into the 2023-24 season. The Sixers recognize that they cannot realistically contend for a championship without Harden’s contributions. Despite his weakened state from his peak years in Houston, Harden topped the charts in ⁠ passes last season and remains one of the star performers in athletics.

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“I was speaking to a bunch of folks about this Sunday evening. The signals right now is that he will be back with the Philadelphia 76ers…as of right now, with no momentum appearing on a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers,” McMenamin revealed in his report.

Trading James Harden would pose challenges for the Sixers, as finding equal value is difficult due to his inconsistency and reputation. It would leave Joel Embiid as the lone star, risking postseason success and potentially alienating him. The only beneficial scenario would be if the Sixers can use the trade assets to acquire another superstar.

76ers’s salary flexibility and Unity amongst players point towards James Harden staying

James Harden
James Harden (Credits – RealGM)

The Philadelphia 76ers’ temporary salary flexibility, with both Harden and Tobias Harris, set to be off-contract after the upcoming season, emphasizes the significance of keeping Harden for another year. This provides an opportunity for additional moves in the market.

Latest social media updates and public remarks by Sixers players, with Embiid, demonstrate a ⁠ feeling of unity and a longing for Harden to continue with the team. In light of McMenamin’s update, it seems that the momentum has shifted in favor of Harden staying in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.

For Harden, returning to the Sixers presents an opportunity to prove his reliability and secure a lucrative long-term contract. In Philadelphia, he would have the chance to play a prominent role alongside Embiid, as opposed to being a third option behind George and Leonard with the Clippers.

James Harden’s potential trade has captivated fans and experts during the NBA off-season. While he has taken radical steps in the past, this situation calls for a mutually beneficial solution. The outcome remains uncertain: a trade may materialize, or Harden could stay in Philadelphia for another season with the 76ers. Time will reveal the final outcome.

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