UCLA Basketball: Former Star Bruins Wing Could Be Centerpiece Of Summer's Second-Biggest NBA Trade

Or will he stay with his current club?

Former 10-time NBA All-star Philadelphia 76ers point guard James Harden has, as usual, tried to demand to be flipped out of town for the third time since 2020. The Lakewood native has specifically been connected with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers.

Per Jack Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Clippers' variety of expiring deals could make them an appetizing trade partner for Philadelphia.

Fischer adds that none other than former First-Team All-Pac-12 UCLA Bruins shooting guard Norman Powell, who won a title with the Toronto Raptors under new Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, could intrigue Los Angeles as a possible return acquisition in a deal.

The 6'3" Powell, 30, posted averages of 17 points on .479/.397/.812 shooting splits, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 dimes and 0.8 steals a night. He'd fit in nicely as a complimentary floor spacer alongside Harden's current Philadelphia backcourt mate, Tyrese Maxey, who would transition to more of an on-ball, playmaking role should The Beard get his wish to be moved.

Obviously Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard represents the top trade-in-waiting this summer, but Harden remains a still-potent piece who could help a team in the regular season, and thus a deal for him would be the second-biggest trade of the offseason. He'd especially make sense on the Clippers as a lead ball handler who would help facilitate the offense around current stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, though all three now have major health questions.