Kofi Inkoom
Reportedly, insider information suggests that the Los Angeles Clippers have decided to end trade discussions with the Philadelphia 76ers regarding James Harden.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast, it appears that the LA Clippers have officially put an end to trade discussions involving James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.
While it had been public knowledge for some weeks that talks between the Clippers and 76ers had cooled off, this development signifies that it was, in fact, the Clippers who decided to shut down these trade discussions, contrary to previous notions that the 76ers had taken that step.
“[LA Clippers] tried to trade for James Harden, and that deal didn’t happen,” Windhorst said. “And from what I understand, it was the Clippers who said, ‘Okay, there’s no deal here. We’re gonna move on.’ And while I assume that they could certainly make a deal midseason, I assume that this is what they’re gonna go with.”
Brian Windhorst’s perspective on the James Harden situation becomes clear when you consider all the details.
It seems that the Philadelphia 76ers were holding out for an unreasonably high price for Harden, despite a lack of market support for such demands.
As a result, the LA Clippers likely decided that further negotiations weren’t worth pursuing.
What’s intriguing about Windhorst’s remarks is his suggestion that the Clippers may start the season with their current roster, having moved on from Harden discussions.
While he acknowledged that the Clippers have the assets to make a trade midseason, he also speculates that they might opt to stay put until that point.