Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden had two preferred trade destinations earlier in the summer when he believed Daryl Morey might move him.
While it is no secret that the former league MVP hoped to land in L.A., that wasn’t the only squad he was willing to go to.
Harden’s primary objective was leaving Philly and going elsewhere.
He was willing to accommodate one of two destinations in order to make that goal a reality.
According to ESPN NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, Harden had a pair of squads he was willing to accept trades to.
“For the next few weeks, Morey left Harden alone,” she wrote.
“He said he would make a good faith effort to trade Harden and had initial conversations, league sources said, with Harden’s preferred team, the [Los Angeles] Clippers, as well as the New York Knicks.”
While everyone knows the situation with the Clippers, the Knicks have been less discussed in relation to Harden.
Los Angeles expressed interest in bringing Harden onboard, going so far as to even solicit Kawhi Leonard’s opinion on the matter.
Unfortunately, things ultimately fell apart when Clippers brass refused to include two key role players in any potential Harden trade.
That led to Philly pulling out of talks and essentially signaling they plan to hold on to Harden for the foreseeable future.
Obviously certain dark horse Harden suitors continue to lurk in the background, but at the moment, all signs seem to point towards a deal not getting done.
Big day for Notre Dame already. https://t.co/4pIZnr6Q0l
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 9, 2023
Much as was the case with Ben Simmons last year, the Sixers are preparing to go into the 2023-24 season with a disgruntled All-Star on the roster.
One way or another, it feels like Harden will eventually get traded. It’s a matter of when, not if. Where will he ultimately end up getting sent when it’s all said and done? Time will tell.
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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.