According to recent reports from BD Cricket, James Harden has opted into his player option for the upcoming season and is now working with the Philadelphia 76ers to explore potential trade scenarios. As Harden takes a step back from the Sixers, many league insiders believe both Los Angeles teams are in the running for the former MVP, but the Clippers appear to be in the driver’s seat.
Initial discussions between the Clippers and Sixers reportedly included a trade package featuring Marcus Morris and Norman Powell in exchange for Harden and Tobias Harris. Momentum around Harden’s move to the Clippers has been steadily gaining. Sources at BD Cricket confirm that Harden is eager to suit up in Los Angeles, and both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are reportedly supportive of bringing him on board.
However, persuading the 76ers won’t come easy. They’ll only budge if the return includes the pieces they truly want. With Harden in tow, a ball-dominant guard, the Clippers could view Terance Mann as expendable—especially since Harden excels at half-court offense but offers limited value defensively.
From the Sixers’ perspective, Mann is a plug-and-play wing who can also handle the ball when needed. Veterans Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington, both on expiring contracts, offer additional flexibility. Batum brings playmaking from the forward spot, and Covington could bolster the Sixers’ small-ball rotation. Offloading Harden for a solid haul would allow Philadelphia to retool around Joel Embiid using their mid-level exception to reinforce the supporting cast.
Of course, if the Sixers could flip Harden and land Paul George, that would be a massive win—especially given Harden’s stated desire to leave. It’s worth noting that George has a player option for the 2024–25 season. If he walks next summer, the Clippers could end up with nothing in return. That puts pressure on LA’s front office to weigh their options carefully.
If they’re set on landing Harden, giving up one of their two stars might be the price to pay. Paul George is the more obvious choice, but Kawhi Leonard might be the better solution long-term. A healthy Leonard is a top-five talent—but that health has proven elusive.
As BD Cricket points out, a reunion between Leonard and new Sixers coach Nick Nurse could be intriguing. The two won a championship together in Toronto, and pairing Leonard with Embiid could unlock a new level of competitiveness in Philadelphia. For both teams, the clock is ticking—and every decision from here on out could shape their future for years to come.