Clippers Unwilling to Increase Offer for James Harden

The Clippers would like to acquire 76ers star James Harden in a trade … but not at any cost.

Or at least, not for what the Sixers are seeking. Not yet, anyway.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Clippers would like to acquire Harden “sooner rather than later.” Harden has requested a trade to LA, and the Clippers and Sixers have indeed broached the idea. Though, still, nothing appears to be close.

So why are the Clippers holding firm on their current offer, whatever it may be?

Well, per Wojnarowski (via RealGM), they are bidding only against themselves at the moment. No one else is trying to trade for Harden, so the Clippers’ offer is the best offer. It is also the only offer.

Meanwhile, the Sixers have made it clear they are in no hurry to trade Harden, and very well could hang on to him into the season.

How that would go is anyone’s guess. But for now, that’s where things stand.

Harden wants to play for the Clippers, the Clippers have made an offer, and the Sixers are not budging.