Clippers Pausing James Harden Trade Talks With Sixers

Star guard James Harden remains a member of the 76ers (sort of), and that is the way it will stay, it seems, for the time being.

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Clippers have decided to “pause” the trade talks centered on Harden. At last check, the Clippers are the only team engaged with the Sixers on a potential Harden trade.

Given that he’s on an expiring contract, there isn’t much interest from the rest of the league. That’s especially the case since Harden has approached his trade demand as a Clippers-or-bust scenario.

“I’m told that with the start of the season now, at least for the foreseeable future, the Clippers are stepping back from these trade talks about James Harden — they are essentially pausing them,” Wojnarowski said on NBA Countdown.

“They have talked with Philadelphia for months about a trade. They’ve made their best offer for Harden, and they are now gonna start their season and see what this team looks like with a healthy Kawhi Leonard, a healthy Paul George.

“Now, the Clippers may revisit this at some point. But they know they’re the only bidder for James Harden. They’re the only team that’s made a serious offer. They don’t want to bid against themselves. … I think the Sixers have to wonder, ‘Have we already gotten the best offer we’re gonna get for James Harden?’ Especially as the games start to peel off the calendar. And if you’re the Clippers, why offer more when there are fewer and fewer games that James Harden can play for you.”

Harden, 34, has finally reported back to Philadelphia after 10 days away, but as we relayed here, he won’t be traveling with the team for its first two road games.

Reporting for NBA Countdown: With the season starting, the Clippers are stepping back from James Harden trade talks pic.twitter.com/6KqCRqrJls

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 25, 2023