The James Harden saga keeps on rolling.
According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Clippers have paused their pursuit of disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden.
Wojnarowski said that the Clippers are intent on waiting to see what their team looks like with a healthy Kawhi Leonard and Paul George rather than switching up their look.
The Clippers are facing a pivotal year as the two star wings are both entering the final years of their contracts should they decline their player options for next season. Both have identical $48.7 million player options for next year.
According to Wojnarowski, the Clippers could still revisit negotiations for Harden as they consider themselves the only bidder for the former MVP's services and are the only team that has made a serious offer to the 76ers.
Past reports claimed that the Clippers see wing Terance Mann as untouchable in the deal for Harden, and it's been speculated that he's the foundational piece the 76ers want back to get the deal done.
Harden was intent on returning to the 76ers ahead of their two-game road trip to start the season after spending 10 days away from the team while dealing with personal matters.
The 76ers instead asked him to stay in Philadelphia as he continues to ramp up for the start of the season.
Harden did not suit up for any of the team's pre-season games but was present at training camp and practised with the team.
The off-season has been rampant with drama surrounding the 10-time All-Star after he publically denounced GM Daryl Morey, saying he would never play for one of Morey's teams for the rest of his career.
His complaints stem from his belief that he should've been offered a long-term contract by the 76ers in the off-season. After not receiving one, he chose to opt into his player option for $35.6 million and demand a trade. The Clippers were reportedly his preferred destination.
The 76ers originally traded for Harden in the 2021-2022 season, sending a package built around Ben Simmons and two first-round picks.
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