James Harden Trade Rumors: Clippers 'Likely' Landing Spot for 76ers Star amid Buzz

As the Philadelphia 76ers work to figure out their best path forward without James Harden, the 10-time All-Star could soon be a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Clippers are considered the "likely" landing spot if Harden gets traded, and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are "on board with the idea" of the former NBA MVP joining the team's core group.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday that Harden was opting in to his $35.6 million salary with the Sixers for the 2023-24 season, "clearing the way" for Harden and the organization to work together to find a trade destination.

Wojnarowski cited the Clippers and New York Knicks among the teams expected to have interest in Harden.

Los Angeles' potential interest in Harden comes after Wojnarowski reported the team was waiving Eric Gordon in a move that will save $110 million in luxury-tax payments.

The luxury tax may not be a concern for Clippers governor Steve Ballmer if he has the potential to solve the team's longstanding point guard problem with a player of Harden's talent.

While it remains to be seen what the Sixers will seek in a trade for Harden, the Clippers have regained some draft capital in recent years to potentially sweeten a deal. They have first-round picks available in 2024 and every year from 2027 to 2030.

The Clippers have been trying for at least the past year to find a point guard who can facilitate the offense around George and Leonard when they are healthy. Rajon Rondo, John Wall and Russell Westbrook were all given opportunities last season.

Harden's methodical style of play would mesh nicely with the slow pace at which the Clippers play, particularly when George and Leonard are on the court together.

One potential concern for the Clippers is Harden's durability has diminished as he's gotten deeper into his 30s. He has missed at least 17 games in each of the past three seasons after missing a total of 53 games in 11 seasons from 2009-10 to 2019-20.

Availability has to be a priority for a Clippers team that has been unable to keep their two best players healthy at the right time. George and Leonard haven't been on the court together in a playoff game since June 14, 2021, against the Utah Jazz.

In 58 games for the Sixers last season, Harden averaged 21.0 points and an NBA-best 10.7 assists per contest.