James Harden Seeking Trade to Clippers, Reportedly Upset With 76ers

Star guard James Harden opted into his $36.5 million contract as he and the 76ers reportedly try to iron out a trade.

His preferred destination — the Clippers, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The Sixers are making an effort to grant Harden his wish, Amick added.

Sources close to the situation told Amick that Harden is “extremely upset” with the Sixers and how they handled his potential free agency. Why, exactly, Harden is peeved remains unclear.

Clippers star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George appear to be in favor of the team acquiring Harden, per Amick.

Harden purposely took a pay cut last summer, when he declined his $47.4 million player option to sign a one-plus-one deal. The expectation was that he would then enter free agency and sign for a longer contract.

But it appears the Sixers were ready to let him test the market, then sign him to a shorter contract. Clearly, that was much shorter than he wanted.

Per Amick, there is “strong optimism” from Harden that he will indeed be traded to the Clippers. He has also been linked to the Heat and Knicks.

Why James Harden’s reunion with Daryl Morey in Philadelphia went south and what’s next (out West) in their looming divorce, at @TheAthletic https://t.co/3Ws2ggbT9O

— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 30, 2023