I want to lead in by saying that I understand ANY team not wanting to trade ANYTHING for Harden.
I just don’t see him as an additive. It’s going to be subtraction through addition adding him to any team.
However, it seems like the Clippers DO WANT Harden.
So my question is: Why are they not willing to give up Terrance Mann to get him?
I mean… a rotation player, a first, and swap seem reasonable if Harden is somebody you want.
I get that they may want the picks top-5 protected… sure.
But Mann… he’s good. No doubt.
But he’s 26, still a single-digit scorer. Good shooter. Yes.
So why is he the hold up?
Am I missing something with this guy? I mean, last year the Clippers DECREASED his minutes. They can’t be THAT high on him.
What am I missing here?
Why wouldn’t they be reluctant to trade a good role player who is just entering his athletic prime and their last few upcoming firsts for a 34 year old who has had injuries the last few years, forced his way out of his last 3 teams, and is going to likely want big money when he hits free agency.
Not to mention they’re bidding against themselves, and if they don’t make the trade, it hurts Philly more than the Clips, so only 1 team has more incentive to get the trade than the other.