[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly James Harden’s preferred trade destination, but it appears the Clippers don’t view Harden as a game-changing acquisition.
Adrian Wojnarowski, during “NBA Today” on ESPN, revealed that the Clippers were “much more aggressive” in their attempt to acquire Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers compared to their pursuit of Harden. According to Wojnarowski, they were willing to offer more for Holiday than they are for Harden, indicating different tiers of interest.
However, Wojnarowski mentioned that the Clippers are willing to give up more for Harden than they’ve offered for Malcolm Brogdon.
Holiday was eventually traded to the Boston Celtics for Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two first-round draft picks. Harden’s trade market is unique, given his demand to leave the Philadelphia 76ers and refusal to play for them again, which typically diminishes a player’s trade value as other teams prefer to wait and see.
The Sixers have reportedly set a high asking price for Harden in their negotiations with the Clippers. If the Clippers regarded Holiday as a more valuable addition than Harden, it suggests they may not meet the asking price for Harden in the near future.