James Harden Live Trade Rumors Tracker Update

James Harden requested a trade out of the Philadelphia 76ers early in the offseason. Harden opted into the final year of his contract and gave the Sixers the option to deal him to his preferred destination — the LA Clippers.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported last month that the Sixers' front office is hoping that Harden will rescind his trade request. However, the former MVP is adamant in joining the Clippers, but no deal has been made heading into the early days of August.

Fischer added that there have been discussions between the two teams, with the Clippers reluctant to include Terance Mann in the trade. Meanwhile, the Sixers are not interested in getting bloated contracts, as they want to have cap space after the 2023-24 season.

Sixers president Daryl Morey also wants a really good player who can help the team remain contenders in the Eastern Conference. Morey even expects to receive a few draft picks to sweeten the deal, as per NBC Sports.

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James Harden Trade Rumors Tracker

Here are the latest updates on the Harden-Sixers saga:

*August 31, 2023: James Harden wants to become No. 1 option again, as per Rachel Nichols

On an appearance on Undisputed, Rachel Nichols reported that Harden wants to be a first option on offense once again. He took a step back since leaving the Houston Rockets but wants to return to his previous role despite his age.

"The reason why he wanted out of Philadelphia in the first place is that it's the Joel Embiid show right now and he wants a different role," Nichols said. "He has to realize that if he is going to opt into a $35.6M contract that is the choice you are making. He had the choice this summer to be a free agent, he could have walked onto any team, written his own ticket if he had decided, 'Hey, I just wanna win, it's time for me to win a title, I'll take a lot less money, I wanna be a team player, I wanna do what I can, here we go.'"

*August 22, 2023: Sixers owner Josh Harris wants to repair relationship with James Harden

"I'd love to convince him to stay," Harris said during ESPN’s broadcast of the NFL Preseason. "I understand that that’s not what he wants to do right now. I’m going to keep working to resolve it in a way that everyone can live with and is positive for everyone, whatever that resolution is."

*August 19, 2023: NBA launches investigation into drama between James Harden and Daryl Morey

The NBA began an investigation into James Harden possibly breaking a new CBA rule regarding holdouts, as per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The league won't be punishing both parties as long as they cooperate with the NBA.

* August 17, 2023: James Harden admits current relationship status with the Sixers is strained

Back from China, James Harden was in Houston last Thursday and spoke with KHOU 11's Jason Bristol regarding his relationship with the Sixers:

"I've been patient all summer," Harden said. "For me, it's just focus on what I can control and getting ready for this season."

*August 14, 2023: James Harden calls Daryl Morey a 'liar'

James Harden responded to the report of the Sixers ending trade talks involving him with a fiery rant in China.

"Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he's a part of," Harden said. "Let me say that again. Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of."

*August 13, 2023: Sixers end trade talks involving Harden

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are no longer engaging in trade talks regarding Harden. The Sixers are hoping to convince the former MVP to report for training camp and play out his final season in Philly. However, a source close to the player told Amick that Harden has no intentions of playing for the Sixers next season.

*August 8, 2023: Sixers, Clippers to re-engage in trade talks

The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers will restart their negotiations about a potential Harden trade. The 33-year-old guard still prefers to get dealt to the Clippers, and Sixers president Daryl Morey has been more open about honoring his request.

August 5, 2023: Sixers insider gives the latest scoop on James Harden's situation

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer made his way to the HoopsHype podcast to discuss the latest on James Harden.

Pompey reported that both the LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers are not in a rush to make a deal. He added that the lack of interest in Harden around the league affects his trade value.

"There's not a market for Harden," Pompey said. "If you're the Clippers, why should they give up something for a guy where there aren't a lot of other teams beating down the door to get him?

"If you're the 76ers, it's one of those things where why should they give him away for nothing if doing that may make the team take a step backward."

Keith Pompey also reckons Daryl Morey could be on the hot seat if the Sixers don't go past the second round next year. They're unlikely to receive a player on the same level as Harden from the Clippers, so their chances of making it to the Eastern Conference finals might be slim.

"Morey is going to be judged a lot, and his future could depend on what's happening with this trade," Pompey said. "You're not just going to give Harden away."