Following an eventful regular season, the LA Clippers will be looking to improve significantly over the next few months. As Kawhi Leonard and Paul George appear to remain in Clipper uniforms, the front office is prioritizing the amount of star power they will need to win it all. It is evident that next season will likely decide the future of what LA is aiming to build.
Furthermore, it is almost certain that Russell Westbrook will be back next season for LA. However, the front office is not done just yet. News recently broke out that Philadelphia 76ers guard, James Harden, will be on the trade block, and the LA Clippers are the top destination.
James Harden, 76ers begin working on a trade out of Philadelphia -- with the Los Angeles Clippers expected to emerge as an interested team in Harden, league sources say.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2023
Details at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/FLYnbWVHj9
This is excellent news for Clipper fans, as a trio of Harden, George, and Leonard will run through the Western Conference. Not to mention players like Terance Mann, Russell Westbrook, and Ivica Zubac will be there to shine in their given roles. This adds a ridiculous amount of depth to a squad with absurd star power.
Additionally, Harden is a former league MVP and has played with several teams across the NBA. This essentially means he has the experience, talent, and will to guide a franchise to the promised land. What’s more, he has played with Westbrook during his time with the Houston Rockets. These two teaming up once again, along with the talents of Leonard and George, only means a championship banner is coming soon.
That said, here is one trade package the LA Clippers can use to land one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of the NBA.
LA Clippers use leverage to snatch Harden from Philly
As James Harden has become available by the Philadelphia 76ers, the LA Clippers must be all in if they hope to win a championship next season. What must be noted is that the former MVP will enter unrestricted free agency next offseason. This means that LA has a one-year trial on winning a ring, or there is a possibility he could leave for a team with better opportunities.
Furthermore, Harden recently had a solid season with the 76ers. Although he did not score as much, he was dishing dimes and creating plays for his teammates. This is exactly what head coach Tyronn Lue needs next to the offensive talents of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. In fact, Harden averaged 21.0 points, 10.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 36.8 minutes of action. Additionally, he was relatively efficient as he shot 44.1% from the field, 38.5% from a distance, and 86.7% from the strike.
Moreover, because Harden may be in LA for only one season, the LA Clippers and every other team have a good bit of leverage in trading for the three-time scoring champion. In this case, Leonard and George will be held out of trade discussions. Along with these two, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac should also be held out due to their team-friendly contracts and ability to dominate on the court.
This trade between the 76ers and Clippers sends James Harden to LA for Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr, Amir Coffey, and a 2024 second-round pick.
The LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers benefit from a trade including James Harden.
If the LA Clippers land James Harden via trade this offseason, they will quickly become the title favorites. No team across the NBA, let alone the Western Conference, has the two-way power to stop Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and then have to worry about Harden on the offensive end. This squad would simply be unfair.
For the LA Clippers’ front office, this trade package makes perfect sense. They are able to retain their two franchise pieces in a proposal that lands a top-20 player. They are utilizing their leverage to their advantage, putting the 76ers’ front office in the hot seat. Another benefit the Clippers gain from this trade is the possibility that Harden does resign next offseason. However, this depends on how the next 12 months pan out and where LA finishes in the title race.
On the flip side, the 76ers bring in three new players who can add depth to their Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid duo. This was a problem for the 76ers last season, causing them to lose in the second round to the Boston Celtics. Norman Powell, in particular, will rise as a promising contributor next to the reigning MVP.
This trade also gives the 76ers a seasoned veteran in Marcus Morris Sr., who is desperately looking for a new city. He can space the floor next to Embiid and provide depth at the wing position. Amir Coffey may also be a forgotten piece in this package, as he is a young star with breakout potential. He could emerge as one of their primary scoring options with a new coach in Philadelphia.