The Los Angeles Clippers are the only NBA team linked to a potential James Harden trade. Unfortunately, based on their decisions as of late, the Clippers do not appear to be serious about taking in the 2018 NBA MVP.
The latest on the James Harden trade drama is a deal pitched by the Philadelphia 76ers. This involved Terence Mann, a future first-round pick, and a swap per FS1 personality Nick Wright. The Clippers were not amenable to the offer.
Could this be a sign that the Clippers are not seriously interested in the 34-year-old All-Star? Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice thinks so, especially with the Clippers standing pat on their decision to brand Mann as untouchable.
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Beyond that, here are some scenarios why the Clippers are careful on the James Harden trade issue.
1. Harden's age and salary.
Considering James Harden is 34 years old and is due $35.64 million this year, it is understandable that the Clippers know what they may be getting into. It would be a costly addition for the Clips with no guarantee that "The Beard" will be there to stay.
And even if he does, do not expect the 10-time All-Star to settle for peanuts as far as his next salary is concerned.
2. Mann is a young, promising talent.
Through the trades, Terence Mann has been mentioned as a trade piece. Considering he is only 27 years old and continues to develop, it would be foolish to think Los Angeles would sacrifice him in exchange for an older player.
Mann is averaging only 8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2 assists in his career thus far, per Basketball-Reference. But if one looks at his production numbers trajectory, there is no doubt that the 6-foot-5 swingman has a good future ahead of him - and an asset for any team, for that matter.
3. James Harden will cause ball-sharing issues.
Although he showed he could be a good passer last season, the fact remains that Harden is a ball-dominant player. For a team that already has Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, that could be a huge issue for head coach Tyronn Lue.
Last NBA season, Harden issued 10.7 dimes per game, the second-best assists performance in his 16-season tenure. Scoring is a given, but such may disrupt the chemistry of the Clippers for the 2023-24 NBA wars.
4. Clippers need a point guard, not a scorer.
Related to Harden's passing prowess, the immediate need of the Clippers is a point guard. Although the 2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year could be tasked with that role, he is not a natural playmaker.
Further, it is questionable if he can orchestrate plays well - especially for Leonard and George. While he would be a huge fit for the Clippers to form a "Big Three," his knack for offense first before sharing the ball could be disastrous for the Clippers.
5. James Harden's loyalty is questionable.
Finally, there is the question of loyalty. Is James Harden playing for money or to win an NBA title?
His past cases with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and the Sixers are well-documented. Despite being paid heftily, Harden often finds himself complaining about something.
The relationship he has with management is also suspect. Sixers President Daryl Morey has a storied relationship with the All-Star, dating back to their Rockets' days.
All was fine between them then, but now Harden is singing a different tune. Hence, there is something mysterious about Harden as far as his relationship with higher authority.
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