NBA Insider: Clippers ‘Definitely Want’ Sixers’ James Harden

The Clippers might be in the market for Jrue Holiday, but they are still interested in James Harden.

When James Harden forced his way onto the Philadelphia 76ers’ trade block, only two teams reportedly reached out. While the New York Knicks were a suitor, it quickly became a market of one, as the Los Angeles Clippers were exploring the idea of adding the ten-time All-Star.

After months of discussion, the Sixers and the Clippers decided to close trade talks on the Harden front. With Philadelphia placing an expensive price tag on Harden’s services and the Clippers holding the leverage while unwilling to meet the asking price, neither team saw a conclusion coming soon.

The good news for Harden is that the first domino finally fell on the trade market this offseason. As Damian Lillard’s multiple-month standoff with the Portland Trail Blazers resulted in a three-team blockbuster trade earlier this week, it opened up the potential for more trade discussions surrounding Harden’s name.

With the Bucks parting ways with Jrue Holiday, the 33-year-old point guard becomes another key name on the trade market next to Harden. As Portland will prioritize moving Holiday to another team, the Sixers and the Clippers were recently linked to the two-time All-Star guard.

Who's In the Market for Jrue Holiday?

To no surprise, the Sixers seem willing to work on a way to swap out a disgruntled Harden with Holiday. However, the Clippers are also reportedly interested in Holiday. In the event Los Angeles lands Holiday in a straight-up deal with the Blazers, that would close the book on James Harden and the Clippers.

But Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer hints that Harden is still a main target for LA at this point. Here's the latest on the Clippers-Harden front, via 'No Cap Room'

“The Clippers definitely want James Harden. They have not been wanting to offer more than one first-round pick to get him. The Sixers need to get rid of James Harden. He doesn’t want to play there. They need to compete for a championship this year with Joel Embiid and years down the line. I don’t know what’s going to happen if James doesn’t get traded before media day, before training camp. I don’t think James and his side of things knows what’s going to happen. I don’t think the Sixers knows what’s going to happen. The word I keep being told is it’s going to be fireworks.” 

Why the Hesitation?

The Clippers want Harden, but they don’t want to meet Daryl Morey’s price. And since Harden doesn’t have any trade suitors other than the Clippers, LA rightfully doesn’t see a reason to give up valuable assets for an expensive one-year rental.

There’s no incentive for the Clippers to rush to land Harden. Unless their rumored strategy changed, the Clippers are likely fine with letting the Harden “fireworks” go on display in Philadelphia, as it would only benefit them further.

Knowing how Harden’s previous standoffs played out, the Clippers seem confident that the ten-time All-Star will make it difficult for the Sixers to hold on for long without lowering their asking price. For the time being, the Clippers will entertain the idea of grabbing Holiday instead.