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Report: Clippers want Harden over reigning Sixth Man of the Year

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Clippers want James Harden over nearly acquired Sixth Man of the Year

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 10/24/23

The Los Angeles Clippers remain firmly intent on luring James Harden to the west coast. While the Clippers have been cautious not to bid against themselves in their pursuit of Harden, the disgruntled former MVP remains atop their wish list.

"The Clippers want Harden. It's a real thing. They want Harden," ESPN's Zach Lowe stated on "The Lowe Post" podcast. "They want him more than they want Malcolm Brogdon. Pretty confident in that."

Before the Harden saga unfolded in Philadelphia, the Clippers nearly acquired Brogdon from the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal. Ultimately, injury concerns surrounding Brogdon forced Los Angeles to back out of the trade.

Boston subsequently dealt the reigning Sixth Man of the Year to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he remains in trade speculation. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Houston Rockets are among the teams monitoring Brogdon.

The Rockets discussed potential deal structures with Utah that would have brought Talen Horton-Tucker to Houston, according to @JakeLFischer.

Additionally, Houston has expressed interest in Alec Burks and Malcolm Brogdon. pic.twitter.com/J3POZhF3Zt
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 17, 2023

In his lone season with the Celtics, Brogdon averaged 14.9 PPG while shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc (fourth in the NBA). His relationship with the Celtics soured over their handling of his elbow injury that he battled through during the playoffs.

As for Harden, a soured relationship with Sixers brass would be putting it lightly. Harden remained away from the team Monday as he seeks a trade, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. His availability for the team's regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks is in limbo.

Tension between Harden and executive Daryl Morey remains at the forefront of the drawn-out saga. With neither person wanting to budge on their demands, Morey is adamant about acquiring Terance Mann from the Clippers, a player Los Angeles has deemed untouchable.

The Clippers have made Terance Mann untouchable, per @PompeyOnSixers pic.twitter.com/k0NtlwBb1e
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 15, 2023

In reality, Mann is a 27-year-old guard who has averaged more than 8.8 PPG just once in his four-year career. While a serviceable two-way player, Mann being the reason why Harden remains in Philadelphia is foolish for both teams involved.

Dragging the Harden situation out longer is setting the Sixers up for in-season turmoil — not ideal when Joel Embiid's commitment to the organization already appears less than concrete.

The New York Knicks are reportedly willing to offer a package that includes 2-3 1st-round picks, Julius Randle, R.J. Barrett, Evan Fournier, and Mitchell Robinson in exchange for Joel Embiid, per @PompeyOnSixers pic.twitter.com/xzC8DXPwid
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 24, 2023

From Los Angeles' perspective, they're entering a make-or-break season with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as their core pieces. With zero playoff series wins over the last two seasons, they need to quickly improve if they have any hopes of competing in the West.

"Whatever offer they've thrown out. I think is a vote of slight anxiety at the very least that their team as presently constructed is simply not good enough to win the title," Lowe said.

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