The NBA season tips off in less than a week, and James Harden still wants to be a Clipper.
Recently, Harden was a no-show at 76ers practice, continuing a polarizing pattern of behavior over the course of the offseason since his trade request. The Sixers, meanwhile, have just re-engaged with trade talks with the Clippers.
James Harden did not attend 76ers practice today and is away due to a personal matter.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2023
NBA Rumors: James Harden a No-Show Amid New 76ers, Clippers Trade Talks
Background
There’s been no shortage of headlines on James Harden and his trade request. From the initial talks ending with the Clippers to a more recent fiasco with media day and training camp, the ten-time All-Star has made his intentions known in more ways than one.
But now, even after multiple teams expressed interest in Harden’s services, it remains clear that his goal is to wind up in LA, joining Kawhi Leonard and reuniting with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. One of his last appearances with the Sixers came prior to their preseason opener against the Celtics.
Harden’s latest absences thicken the plot of the 76ers soap opera.
The Athletic outlined a potential course of action related to Harden’s actions:
“Unless Harden shares a reason for the absence that the Sixers deem worthy of being excused, all signs point to Harden being fined by the team going forward. Harden, who remains furious at Morey for his handling of the situation, has stayed in communication with the team by way of general manager Elton Brand as recently as Tuesday night.”
Sixers Head Coach Nick Nurse doesn’t appear fazed by the new developments:
#Sixers coach Nick Nurse addresses James Harden being a no-show for the second consecutive practice: pic.twitter.com/rAo0RVvBex
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 19, 2023
76ers and Clippers Trade Talks: Terence Mann “Untouchable”
During recent trade talks between the Sixers and Clippers, the Clippers made 27-year-old wing Terance Mann untouchable. Mann, a standout wing in his own right, averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He shot 52% from the field, 39% from deep and 78% from the free-throw line. He’s also a season removed from a career year—10.8 points per game on .484/.365/.780 splits.
While Mann is a great young player brimming with potential, it’s understandably odd why the Clippers are dying to keep him instead of acquiring an All-Star point guard—even if he’s 34 years old and the last few stops have ended bitterly. Mann has proven himself as a solid contributor on a playoff roster, and there’s no doubt he would succeed next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers’ overall asking price for Harden isn’t an arm and a leg, either: a package around Mann and two first-round picks, along with the necessary salary (potentially Marcus Morris and Robert Covington) to match Harden’s contract. But newer reporting from Sam Amick suggests the Sixers wouldn’t be done wheeling and dealing after Harden:
“If the Clippers would put Mann in the deal while also giving up the unprotected first, the pick swap and matching salaries, Harden would have his wish, and the 76ers would then have a chance to pursue the sort of high-end player via trade that would keep them in title contention. Philadelphia is known to already have trades lined up in which it would receive a first-round pick in exchange for Mann.”
While the Sixers are exercising every possible option to move Harden, the overall stalemates—whether between Harden and the Sixers or the Sixers and the Clippers—continue to grow. If the Clippers change their stance and Harden becomes receptive to coming back, that could change things significantly. But for now, the waiting game continues to play out, with the winner yet to be determined.
If James Harden Isn’t Traded…
It’s worth noting that Harden could very well start this season in the City of Brotherly Love. He hasn’t been a major distraction to the team, but rather remained a consummate professional, according to Tyrese Maxey:
“It’s sad to say this, but this is normal for me…Most guys that we have on our team, we’ve been through this situation. We’re just telling the young guys, ‘Look, we’re here to practice, we’re here to focus.’ Nick Nurse and his staff make it easy as well. They’ve made it fun, they’ve made it competitive. Guys aren’t really focused on that situation.”
More recent developments could sour the mood among Harden’s teammates, especially with the regular season tipping off next week. There’s no denying the cloud that’s above the Sixers and the pressure that’s on Harden and the front office to resolve this. However, every other member of the 76ers has bought into the new system and the potential that this year’s team holds. The question remains around Harden, and how much longer he’s willing to put up the fight.
