James Harden didn't like Jalen Green's comments in podcast with Paul George

Sources say, however, that there is strong optimism on Harden’s side that it will indeed happen. Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are said to be on board with the idea of Harden potentially joining their core, according to sources. -via The Athletic / June 30, 2023

According to sources directly involved in the situation on both sides, the Los Angeles native wants to play for the Clippers and the Sixers are already in the process of discussing his desired move. Harden is, according to sources close to him, extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization. -via The Athletic / June 30, 2023

Moreover, many believed that the late-May hiring of Nick Nurse to replace Doc Rivers as coach would lead to Harden re-signing. But in the end, sources involved in the matter say, it was a series of silent Sixers signals sent in recent weeks that compelled Harden to pursue that goal elsewhere yet again. -via The Athletic / June 30, 2023

The Los Angeles Clippers are at the top of Harden’s list. They also reached out to the Sixers this week about a possible Harden trade, according to multiple league sources. You can see why they’d appeal to Harden. They’re in L.A. He could play alongside a pair of stars in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Of course, so did the Nets. And, from Dwight Howard to Chris Paul to Russell Westbrook to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving and now to Joel Embiid, you could put together a All-Star team just with the superstars Harden has broken up with. -via FoxSports.com / June 30, 2023

ESPN’s Zach Lowe spoke on the topic on the latest edition of The Lowe Post podcast (1:00:45 mark). “The biggest subplot in the NBA that not enough people are talking about is Paul George and Kawhi Leonard with the Clippers, being extension eligible. In Kawhi’s case in July. I think in Paul George’s case in September. Because I just don’t think, based on what I’ve heard, that if those guys walk in the door and ask for four-year max extensions, I don’t think the Clippers are just giving them to them.” -via Bleacher Report / June 29, 2023

They are not, according to an individual familiar with the team’s plans, looking for specific positions or skills as much as veterans that make “winning plays.” The goal is to find additions that mesh with the core of the rebuilding — Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason — and play with two-way intelligence that comes with experience. -via Houston Chronicle / June 25, 2023

On paper, you fit quite well with Jalen Green. Looking at other guys on the roster — Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason — how do you pair with players like that? Amen Thompson: I think I pair really well with all of those guys. I think we’re a big lineup that can lock up on defense. I think getting Jabari and Jalen easier, wide-open looks, their 3-point percentage is going to go up. They’re going to be utilized in a better way. I think that’s just what we need, and I need them too. -via The Athletic / June 23, 2023

You’re obviously busy during the season when the Pistons are playing. Were you ever able to watch them? How familiar are you with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and the roster? Ausar Thompson: I’m very familiar with Cade’s game. That’s my teammate. Coming out of high school, everyone looks up to him. Cade was my favorite player in that draft. I said he was going to be the first pick. I was telling Amen that. It’s funny. He thought it was going to be Jalen Green, and now he’s with him in Houston. I’m very familiar with all of their games. Jaden Ivey is super fast, underrated facilitator and very athletic. James Wiseman, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart … big bodies in the paint. Marvin Bagley. I know everyone. I’m a big basketball fan. -via The Athletic / June 23, 2023