James Harden Rumors: Momentum for Clippers-76ers Trade 'Escalating' Amid Knicks Buzz

The Los Angeles Clippers could beat out the New York Knicks in the race to acquire veteran Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden.

The Clippers currently have "an edge" in trade negotiations for the 10-time All-Star, according to The Athletic's Law Murray.

SNY's Ian Begley reported the Knicks' interest is more lukewarm than the Clippers'.

Harden picked up his $35.6 million player option for 2023-24 in the hopes of exploring a trade from the Sixers, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday. He averaged 21.0 points and 6.1 rebounds while leading the NBA with 10.7 assists per game last season and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024.

Harden missed 24 games during the 2023-24 regular season due to a right foot tendon strain and an Achilles tendon injury in his left foot.

That marks the third time in three seasons that Harden has missed significant time due to injury, raising durability concerns for a player who turns 34 in August. After a disappointing first-round exit this year, however, the Clippers could be ready to make a bet on a veteran who can still shoot.

If the Sixers are able to work out a trade for Harden, it will mark his fourth team in as many seasons. After requesting a trade from the Houston Rockets in 2021, Harden played with the Brooklyn Nets until he was dealt to Philadelphia at the next 2022 trade deadline.

Harden was reportedly interested in returning to the Houston Rockets, where he was named league MVP in 2017-18, but the Rockets are targeting Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet in free agency, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Clippers declined to guarantee veteran guard Eric Gordon's $21 million contract next season, Wojnarowski reported Wednesday, in what could potentially be a cap-clearing move for Harden's deal.

With Los Angeles star point guard Russell Westbrook about to hit free agency, the Clippers also recently pursued Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon. The deal fell through after the team was unable to see a physical, per The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach.

Harden, who The Athletic's Shams Charania reported left $15 million by signing his Sixers contract, is set to become a free agent in 2024.