James Harden still intent on joining Clippers but expected to report to Sixers training camp if not traded by then

This time, Embiid’s comments came as the future of his All-Star point guard, James Harden, remains in the balance following a trade request in late June after Harden exercised his $35.6 million player option the day before free agency began, with the intention of being dealt to the Clippers, league sources told Yahoo Sports. It’s a simple exercise, to draw a straight line from Embiid’s open-ended answer to the uncertain state of Philadelphia at large. -via Yahoo! Sports / July 19, 2023

Let’s be clear: No matter the Sixers’ wishes, Harden still intends to play for the Clippers during the 2022-23 season, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Since the beginning of this subplot, Harden and his representation opted in to pinpoint Los Angeles as his next destination and have maintained a confidence he will ultimately join the Clippers. There has been no substantial trade conversation for Philadelphia regarding Harden and any other team, sources said, as rival front offices have been briefed on Harden’s unwavering focus on the Clippers and the Clippers alone. The 76ers have held talks with other teams and have established their high asking price for the league’s assist leader. -via Yahoo! Sports / July 19, 2023

There is no market for Harden. If there were, he would be gone already, either via free agency (again, Harden opted in) or trade. For weeks Sixers officials have been canvassing the NBA for a satisfactory offer. It isn’t there. The Clippers, Harden’s preferred destination, are interested. But not, it seems, at the cost of Terance Mann and what’s left of their first-round draft capital. -via Sports Illustrated / July 18, 2023