NBA transfer: Philadelphia 76ers bid for James Harden, ready to wait until the end

Right when the NBA transfer market opened, James Harden activated his final year clause with the Philadelphia 76ers, receiving a salary of $ 35.6 million to play in the 2023-24 season.

Only he doesn't want to play the last season of this contract with the Sixers but at another team. James Harden's decision to "opt-in" served the purpose of asking to leave, expecting the Philadelphia 76ers to trade him to the LA Clippers.

This news has been around for some time and Harden has just reaffirmed his desire to have no intention of playing for the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

On the side of James's host team, technical director Daryl Morey said he was sorry that his star wanted to part ways with the Sixers. However he only does this if Philly receives the right exchange package.

"If we don't get a great player in return or something that can bring a great player here, we simply won't let Harden go," said Daryl Morey.

Despite his determination "not to let James Harden leave unless the price is right", the Philadelphia 76ers technical director still leaves a way back in case the former All-Star and All-NBA player changes his mind.

“If James thinks back, we would be delighted and welcome him. You've probably heard about Joel Embiid trying to convince James to stay, right?

It's a pity that James still wants to leave now. He leaves the destination where he wants to go and we intend to make that happen, but only at a reasonable price," added Mr Morey.

This sharing of the head of the 76ers professional committee comes just one day after Embiid hinted at parting ways with the team. Joel said he wants to win whether in Philadelphia or somewhere else.

By the way, commenting on Joel Embiid, Mr. Morey said: "We need to make sure that he (Embiid - PV) has a superstar by his side next season, maintains competitiveness at a high level and towards the championship.

We know the team needs someone like that. Maybe it's James Harden or another player of the same level and level."

With the current situation, the LA Clippers are not able to meet the requirements that Philadelphia offers, and the 76ers are very willing to wait for the right price.

The LA team certainly won't sacrifice any of the trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook in exchange for James Harden. In the remaining group of Clippers players, it is likely that there is no name that the 76ers want to own.

In the 2022-23 season, James Harden averaged 21.0 points with 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game. His 3-point throw rate reached 38.5% 3PT, the best in his entire playing career since 2009.