The Los Angeles Clippers are still keen on acquiring James Harden through a trade but are cautious not to engage in a one-sided negotiation, especially considering the perceived lack of leverage on the part of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The primary obstacle in the potential trade for Harden revolves around the inclusion of Terance Mann.
Leading up to the draft, the Clippers had a chance to trade for Malcolm Brogdon but withdrew from the deal due to concerns about injuries.
Subsequently, the Boston Celtics traded Brogdon to the Portland Trail Blazers, and although he is presumably available, the Clippers maintain a preference for a trade involving Harden.
“The Clippers want Harden,” said Zach Lowe. “It’s a real thing. They want Harden. They want him more than they want Malcolm Brogdon. Pretty confident in that. And the fact that they’re this interested in Harden, interested enough to throw out an unprotected pick.
“Or whatever it is. Whatever offer they’ve thrown out. I think is a vote of slight anxiety at the very least that their team as presently constructed is simply not good enough to win the title.
“Which is kind of depressing because, in a way, trading everything for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George was supposed to inoculate you from having to trade almost everything again for another player while Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were still on your team.
“Not a minor trade. That was in play. Not a small upgrade here or there. But here’s everything we have left, go get us something else. I think they hoped that this was the team. This was the team that would get over the hump.”
Clippers Want James Harden More Than Malcolm Brogdon https://t.co/o1ZdUqMSt9
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 24, 2023
