Steve Ballmer and Josh Harris got on a call on Monday to work on the details of a James Harden trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers. Trade discussions between Daryl Morey and Lawrence Frank had lasted for months, but the owners participated in trying to finalize a trade.
“It’s rare to see ownership that directly involved in trade discussions, but I’m told the Sixers decided Monday that, given their hot start to the season and the play of Tyrese Maxey, it was time to move on from Harden, adding veteran pieces and future draft capital in the process,” wrote Shams Charania.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that there was some level of pressure from the league office and other owners for the Harden trade request to be resolved.
