When it was first announced that James Harden was planning an exit from the Philadelphia 76ers, most people thought his departure would be imminent.
But since then, things have slowed to a crawl.
What we do know is that things remain the same: Harden wants to leave the 76ers, preferably for the Los Angeles Clippers.
And the Sixers are working to make that happen but they aren’t rushing into any trade proposal they aren’t truly happy with.
Shams Charania, via ClutchPoints, confirmed that that’s where things still stand.
He said that the Sixers and Clippers are expected to engage again in discussions on a Harden trade this offseason.
Will it actually result in anything?
The Sixers and Clippers are expected to engage again in discussions on a James Harden trade this offseason.
Harden still prefers to be moved, and Philadelphia is working to honor his wish, as Daryl Morey recently said.
(via @ShamsCharania, https://t.co/FYNcfaR0O9) pic.twitter.com/nsxySXAHlm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 8, 2023
So both sides of the negotiations want a deal but that doesn’t mean that one will be made.
Both the Clippers and the 76ers have strength in this situation.
The Clippers know that Harden wants to be in LA and they also know that other teams aren’t making plays to get him.
Therefore, they are the sole front office negotiating with the Sixers, who don’t want to keep an unhappy star.
On the other side of the equation, the 76ers aren’t going to move him unless they are receiving something special for their team and its future.
They showed in the past with Ben Simmons that they will sit on a player until they are ready to move.
It’s likely that both sides will come together and hash out something they are all happy with.
But it’s not guaranteed that it’ll be before the new season starts.
They will try again to agree to a package this summer but if they don’t Harden will remain in Philadelphia for at least the next few months.
NEXT: James Harden And Daryl Morey’s Relationship Is Reportedly 'Done'