James Harden wants to play for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Philadelphia 76ers are in the process of trying to accommodate his preference, sources on both sides tell Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Harden is “extremely upset at the way in which the Sixers handled his possible free agency and has made his dissatisfaction clear to the organization,” sources close to him told Amick.
Both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are supportive of the idea of the Clippers trading for Harden.
“There is strong optimism on Harden’s side” that he will be dealt to the Clippers.
Harden took a significant pay cut last offseason when he declined his $47.4 million player option with the Sixers to sign a one-plus-one for less money. The widespread expectation was Harden would then reenter free agency this offseason and re-sign for a long-term deal.
The Sixers, however, were prepared to force Harden to test the market before making any offer. The Sixers were preparing a short-term deal.
Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks appear to need one another without much leverage in either direction, but both sides are prepared to negotiate as free agency opens. Irving will meet with the Phoenix Suns even though they lack realistic options to match the Mavericks financially.
“Kyrie Irving is trying to create a market out there,” said Adrian Wojnarowski. “It may just not be there for him. Certainly, Dallas, I think, is going to try to show some restraint, some discipline on what they’re going to offer Kyrie Irving with a new deal in Dallas. It’s going to be more than anybody else can offer him.
“I think he’s going to try to spend some time here trying to manufacture a marketplace of salary cap space and teams that might actually scare Dallas into thinking they have to up their offer. I’m not sure that’s happening. That will be an interesting process as it plays out. I still think Kyrie Irving inevitably will return back to Dallas on a deal to play with Luka Doncic.”
Harrison Barnes has agreed to a three-year, $54 million extension with the Sacramento Kings.
Barnes joined the Kings from the Dallas Mavericks via trade in 2019 and then signed a four-year, $85 million extension.
The deal includes a 10 percent trade kicker.
Barnes played in all 82 games this past season for the Kings, averaging 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
