The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden have mutual interest in linking up this offseason.
Unfortunately, the Philadelphia 76ers’ trade demand for Harden is steep. And Los Angeles’ refusal to include two key role players in any negotiations has proven to be a roadblock.
So where does that leave all parties involved?
Scrambling for alternatives, it would appear.
As noted by NBA insider Ashish Mathur, if this Harden thing fails to materialize for Los Angeles, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls could prove to be a legitimate Plan B.
“The Clippers covet James Harden and are doing everything they can to get him,” he wrote this week.
“If a deal can’t be reached, they do have a Plan B. Zach LaVine would become a very intriguing target for LA.”
LaVine is a very intriguing piece. When he is at the top of his game, he as fierce an offensive threat as anyone in the league. Defensively he can dial in when he wants to, but he isn’t consistent in that regard at all.
Over the past few weeks LaVine has drawn trade interest from two teams. He has also made it clear that he has zero interest in joining the New York Knicks, despite their interest in him.
How he feels about the Clippers is unclear.
Last year LaVine made it pretty clear what his preferred landing spot would be if the Bulls traded him.
But obviously Chicago has to get something out of the deal, too.
Now that’s how you wish someone a happy birthday. https://t.co/nqtIuEHIRb
— Game 7 (@game7__) July 25, 2023
The Clippers are clearly maneuvering hard for a third star this summer. They have all the talent necessary to win a chip as presently constructed, but injuries have consistently hobbled them over the past few years.
A third star would be an insurance policy against that.
Will the Clippers come away with either Harden or LaVine at some point in this offseason? Time will tell.
Related: Trevor Lawrence’s Wife Marissa Shares Wild Girls’ Trip Video
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
