Reported Clippers offer for Jrue Holiday fueling Sixers' desire for this player?
The Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers are locked in a stalemate. The Sixers want Terance Mann as part of any James Harden trade package. The Clippers don't want to lose the versatile wing.
However, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Clippers' failed trade attempt for Jrue Holiday has made things difficult.
Fischer reported the Clippers included Mann in a trade offer for Holiday. The Sixers have become aware of Mann's availability in the deal, and that has led to the stalemate the teams find themselves in.
"The Sixers’ insistence on also receiving Mann, sources told Yahoo Sports, is just as predicated on the fact Philadelphia officials learned Los Angeles offered Mann as part of the Clippers’ overtures to land Jrue Holiday from the Blazers as it is the Sixers’ valuation of the Florida State product," Fischer reported.
Philadelphia will likely only strengthen its stance on receiving the guard in any trade for the former MVP considering Mann reportedly was on the table for Holiday. Harden is still an elite playmaker and high-level scorer. The Clippers want to win a championship. Harden's addition could help them achieve that goal, but one thing the Sixers have made clear is that they won't simply give Harden away.
Neither side has shown a willingness to back down. Philadelphia's reported knowledge of a failed Holiday trade gives it new leverage. President of basketball operations Daryl Morey is willing to let negotiations drag on deep into the season. Currently, there are no other teams with reported interest in Harden. However, if he begins playing for the Sixers in the near future and impresses, things could change.
Philadelphia surely hopes Harden can improve his trade value before the February deadline. However, if the Clippers still want to add the 10-time All-Star, they will have to step up their offer to Mann as part of the deal. That much is certain.
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