3 moves the LA Clippers can make to improve title odds

1. Trading with Philly for James Harden

All offseason, the biggest question for the LA Clippers has been their level of interest in the ten-time all-star James Harden. Once reports initially came out, fans hoped that a trade would be made within a couple of weeks as the front office seemed invested. With the regular season just two weeks away, Harden remains in a 76ers uniform.

Moreover, acquiring the former league MVP would give the Clippers their best shot at winning the championship. He has developed an off-ball playstyle and a level of playmaking that would instantly put points on the board. Not to mention, his scoring would come in handy when LA is shorthanded and needs a win.

Furthermore, Harden’s numbers were off the charts last season. Though he only averaged 21 points, which is relatively low considering he is a three-time scoring champion, he managed to dish out 10.7 assists and snag 6.1 boards. What’s even more impressive is that he shot 38.5% from the three-point land on over seven attempts per game.

As for the trade, the LA Clippers clearly want to hold onto Bones Hyland and Terance Mann. This is understandable as Harden’s contract is coming to an end, and the front office prefers to keep their flashy young stars. Conversely, LA should be open to trading draft capital and players like Norman Powell, Robert Covington, and Nicolas Batum.

If the LA Clippers can land a top-20 player in Harden by the deadline, it is evident that they are going all in on winning a championship this season. This is the right mindset as the time is ticking on the decision to extend Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.