According to NBA source Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, James Harden wants to be dealt by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers before training camp even starts
Harden has asked the Sixers for a trade and wants to join Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook on the Clippers. The NBA MVP for the 2017–18 season twice asked the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets for moves, and both times he got his wish.
Scotto added, “My understanding is Harden would prefer a trade before training camp starts. We’ve seen how a frustrated Harden can be at camp before, in Houston. It’s been said that Philadelphia would enter camp, so I wonder if he has the stomach for that. He wouldn’t lose any money if it went that far.
Harden, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, is friends with Westbrook, Leonard, and George. The 10-time NBA All-Star doesn’t want to play for the Sixers anymore since the franchise didn’t offer him a max contract this summer
Relationship between Harden and Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the Sixers, is “fractured.” Previously, Morey and Harden were good friends. Following Morey’s trade for Harden from the Nets, they were reunited in Philadelphia after having previously worked together on the Rockets. Harden has made it plain that he is unhappy with Morey’s handling of his potential free agency, though, by asking for a trade.
There hasn’t been any development on a Harden deal between the Sixers and Clippers. Harden is anticipated to report to training camp, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, if Philadelphia doesn’t deal him before it opens.
Harden averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 10.7 assists in 58 games for the Sixers last season while shooting 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 86.7% from the charity stripe. For the second time in his career, he was the NBA leader in assists per game.
