The Philadelphia 76ers are just three days away from making their much-anticipated debut this season. And while James Harden’s status come opening night is still up in the air, the team has made it crystal clear that they are prepared to start their campaign with or without the disgruntled star.
Finding a resolution to this exhausting saga, unfortunately, just got a lot tougher. That’s because the LA Clippers, the lone reported suitor for the former MVP’s services, have seemingly pulled out of the one-man sweepstakes. While nothing’s been expressly set in stone, their head coach just made it abundantly clear that a trade for Harden would be very surprising at this juncture.
Clippers HC Tyronne Lue just ended their chase for 76ers star James Harden
As has been reported, the main reason why the 76ers have yet to dangle Harden away to the Clippers is the latter’s unyielding refusal to throw in Terance Mann in the deal. Daryl Morey is of the belief that he can liquidate the 27-year-old for a first-round pick later on, but LA has been very resolute on not bidding against themselves with no other suitor in sight.
Alas, that’s apparently hill the Clippers are willing to die on.
Ty Lue on Terance Mann trade rumors:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 20, 2023
“We love T-Mann, and T-Mann is gonna be here. So we’re not worried about what they’re saying outside, all the speculations. It’s a good thing to be wanted.”
At this rate and considering Mann’s promotion to the Clippers’ starting lineup this season, it’s extremely unlikely for their front office to suddenly change tune about bannering him front and center on a package for Harden. Things could change later on if the championship-desperate LA is hampered by another injury-related setback, but this doesn’t change the fact that they will be banking on their current offer to align with the 76ers growing tired of Harden.
Realistically speaking, the Philadelphia 76ers have to accept that they will have to make a concession if they want to get rid of James Harden. While far from ideal, his contract situation and ceaseless theatrics have made him quite the commodity — albeit, to avoid.
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