A Western Conference powerhouse is reportedly lurking around the ongoing James Harden sweepstakes.
According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a “dark horse” candidate to possibly land Harden, as the club is currently observing the situation of the All-Star’s free agency.
“Another team that I’ve heard recently is a dark horse and kind of watching the situation is the Los Angeles Clippers,” Iko said during his Twitter live stream.
Harden is set to opt out of his $35.6 million player option for 2022-23 and seize a much better contract from the market. From this desire alone, it is already difficult for the Clippers to match it given that they have one of the highest payrolls in the league.
But with Steve Ballmer being their owner, it’s a never say never scenario for L.A. to commit towards a hefty financial cause just to fulfill a needed improvement. Harden is an enticing asset to chase in the wake of their need for a playmaker to feed their robust core bannered by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But on the opposite end, health issues and concerns will only pile up.
Should the Clippers manage to snipe their way to acquire Harden, it is surely surprising given the narratives of the future Hall of Famer with both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets.
