There’s no urgency for the Sixers to complete a James Harden trade, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Friday in an appearance on “Get Up” (video link). Even though Harden has asked to be dealt and seems to prefer the Clippers, Wojnarowski notes that the track record of president of basketball operations Daryl Morey suggests he’ll explore all available possibilities before committing to a deal.
“You may let free agency settle,” Wojnarowski said, “see where players land, see where needs arise for different teams that might not be interested today but could be in a few days. I don’t anticipate necessarily that this is going to be quick because it doesn’t have to.”
Andrew Greif of The Los Angeles Times also hears that a Harden trade may not happen right away. He cites league sources who said they’ll be watching how patient the Sixers decide to be and what they’ll be seeking in return. Greif names Terance Mann as a player the Clippers might be reluctant to include in a Harden deal.
There are more trade rumors to pass along:
- The Bulls may be an option for Harden, sources tell Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Chicago has already explored trade scenarios regarding Zach LaVine and might be willing to part with DeMar DeRozan to acquire Harden. Fischer also cautions that Morey has a lot of options to consider before deciding how to handle Harden’s trade request.
- The Clippers, who would like to re-sign Mason Plumlee have let teams know that Ivica Zubac is available in a trade, Fischer adds. L.A. may also have interest in acquiring P.J. Tucker in a Harden deal, as Fischer notes that the Clippers previously reached out to him when he was a free agent.
- The Clippers pulled out of an original version of the three-team Kristaps Porzingis trade because of medical concerns regarding Malcolm Brogdon, but they recently contacted the Celtics about Brogdon again, according to Fischer. L.A. was also willing to offer Norman Powell to the Wizards for Chris Paul before the Warriors landed him in exchange for Jordan Poole, Fischer states.
- Fischer hears that the Cavaliers are engaged in trade talks regarding Cedi Osman and offered him to the Nets in a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale.
- Numerous teams have reached out to the Wizards about point guard Monte Morris, Fischer adds. The Timberwolves, Bulls, Pelicans, Jazz and Nets are all considered possibilities for Morris, and Fischer believes the Heat could be added to the list if they lose Gabe Vincent in free agency.
Gotta give DM credit, he will wait as we saw with Ben Simmons and that turned out magnificent
Too many owners (Winger) move too fast Imo these days.
* There is a lot of motivation for a team like the Clips to make a deal in the next 2 hrs (for many reasons) before FA starts but (Philly) doesn’t share that same motivation / unless they are completely content/just wait
Zubac is available, really? One of the best rim protectors in the league and the perfect guy for the Clippers system? Okay then. Good luck with that.
Agreed, strange tid-bit but Clips would prefer to run 5 6’7 wings out there as we have seen for better or worse
Would love for him to come back home (Lakers) but they have no salary now to match
I wonder if Clippers would have entertained Bamba and 17 for IZ …probably not as its the Lakers.
I’m more bummed on the Plumlee news as it seems certain Clips pay (the exorbitant) cost of retaining him when ya add the taxes in …he was a target for me in 3 hrs from now
Clippers aren’t getting Harden without Mann in the trade
Mann shouldn’t be an impediment to many deals, even the flawed Harden. Unless it’s the author from Field of Dreams.
Well played. Yeah I’m confused with Mann being an impediment. If you can’t include a six man caliber player in the deal, then you aren’t getting a harden type player.
Harden, Tucker and House for Morris, Batum, Covington and Mann
Clippers add 1 pick
Yeah they are, Morey is in no position to be demanding anything. He’ll take whatever crumbs he can get.
Wherever he goes he’ll be there for a year and then be unhappy and asked to be traded and be there a year and asked to be traded again until he’s not good anymore, which is rapidly approaching.
Bulls would be interesting
Harden has forced his way out of his last 3 teams. Anyone who trades for him now, deserves the suffering they’ll get.
I’m a Philly fan. Harden is and has always been pure trash. Trade him to Europe. How many teams he burnt? No playoff heart. I’m surprised anyone is willing to give anything more than a 2nd round pick. Bird, Magic and Jordan would punk him out of the league. He wouldn’t step on the floor against the 90’s Piston teams. Pure BUM!
Agreed!