Insider Says Teams See Only One ‘Real Path’ to Sixers-James Harden Trade

Although the 76ers would surely love to hold as much of a loaded market as possible for James Harden following his trade request, the opposite is slowly proving to be the case. While the early potential interest in a deal almost certainly included more potential suitors, Harden’s apparent desire to head to Los Angeles has impacted his stock.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Harden "absolutely" wants a trade to the Clippers, and "rival teams view it as the only real path" to a deal.

Harden absolutely wants a trade to the Clippers, and rival teams view it as the only real path for a Harden deal. It will all come down to the two teams eventually engaging and working on a deal.

The Clippers have a few intriguing young players who could be dealt, but as team president Daryl Morey told 97.5 The Fanatic earlier in the week, per the Philly Voice, the Sixers only plan to trade Harden for one of two things: a very good player, or something they can turn into a very good player.

Morey remains stern that the trade’s return has to make a major impact on the Sixers quickly, or the team is just “not going to do it [trade Harden].” Whether that is the outcome and if so, how long it takes to get there, will be the two looming questions ahead of the new season.