Philadelphia 76ers star guard James Harden has made his intentions clear in recent months that he wants to be traded after general manager Daryl Morey didn’t give him the long-term contract extension he wanted.
Not only does Harden want to be traded, he specifically wants to be sent to the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite the current standstill between Harden and Morey, the latter has tried to grant the former’s wish, but it seems as though the two teams cannot find common ground.
Morey and the 76ers have been open to dealing Harden, but as long as they get a package in return that allows them to remain competitive and/or use those assets for another trade down the line that will bolster the roster.
Per the 76ers beat writer of the Philly Inquirer, Keith Pompey, the 76ers’ asking price to send Harden to the Clippers is two first-round picks and promising young wing player, Terance Mann. However, the Clippers have been unwilling to include Mann in any deal for Harden.
As a result, Morey took that as an opportunity to ask the Clippers for eight-time All-Star Paul George, which the Clippers quickly turned down.
In an article written by Sam Amick of The Athletic, he explains the rationale behind Morey asking for George in exchange for Harden after the Clippers have been reluctant to trade Mann. Morey accused the Clippers of being ‘unserious’ about making a trade involving Harden.
“He even quipped that they should just trade Clippers star Paul George for Harden if they were so determined to keep all of their lesser assets,” said Amick.
Harden has been away from the team in recent days in hopes of sending a message to Morey that he is serious about not playing for the 76ers. The team has been practicing in preparation for their season-opening game on Oct. 26 versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
