(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Some people may be wondering why the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t jumping at the chance to get rid of James Harden.
Things have gotten so bad between the team and the star player that many fans assume the front office would agree to any deal in order to part ways with him.
But Marc Stein, via Sam DiGiovanni, pointed out a very important point about Philadelphia’s current resistance to a trade.
The Sixers don’t want a trade unless any deal “maintains or enhances” its championship odds and both the front office and the team’s owners agree on that.
Little James Harden nugget from Marc Stein:
Sixers don’t wanna trade him unless the deal “maintains or enhances” its championship odds and team ownership and the front office are “fully aligned” on that stance. https://t.co/wAOaelmaGM
— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) August 18, 2023
This is the big reason why Harden didn’t head to the Los Angeles Clippers right after he demanded his trade.
The 76ers believe that Harden is an A-List talent and capable of helping them reach the Finals.
They simply will not deal him away unless they get a comparable return in exchange.
When it comes to the Clippers, it doesn’t look like that team has what it takes to make the 76ers happy.
Los Angeles could send some draft picks and other talent, but it’s not enough for Philadelphia.
The front office and ownership are demanding a player – or players – who can keep them in playoff contention.
Harden’s team was poised to make a strong run last postseason.
They were playing better than they had in multiple seasons and Joel Embiid had his first MVP year.
They weren’t able to convert all of that into a championship but they showed some progress.
The team doesn’t want to forfeit any of that.
They have been very committed to a high asking price ever since Harden called for a trade.
The Sixers aren’t changing their tune now.
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