According to Live Cricket BPL, James Harden has taken control of his trade narrative through action, not words. By fully participating in training camp and reassuring teammates, staff, the league, and the players’ union that he will honor his contract, Harden has distanced himself from the infamous Ben Simmons standoff. Unlike Simmons, who refused to play and disrupted team operations, Harden has made it clear he won’t go down that path. His professional conduct has not only boosted his value but also nudged both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers toward a resolution.
The biggest concern surrounding Harden was always his attitude. Many feared he might skip training camp or cause internal strife to force a trade. But Harden’s calm and composed approach has proven doubters wrong. As the saying goes, tough times don’t last, but tough people do. His professionalism has allowed Philadelphia to open serious trade talks and has convinced the previously hesitant Clippers to change their stance.
Initially, the Clippers offered a lowball package—one first-round pick bundled with expiring contracts—which was seen as an insult to Harden’s value. Understandably, both Harden and the Sixers found this proposal unacceptable. But with Harden playing ball, literally and figuratively, the Clippers have now come back with a more serious offer: an unprotected first-round pick plus a first-round pick swap. Talks are still ongoing, especially since Philly is still eyeing Terance Mann, but the tone has clearly shifted. Daryl Morey is no longer demanding the moon—he’s dropped the Mann request but insists on multiple first-round picks.
As negotiations evolve, the likely final deal includes the Clippers sending two first-round picks, a swap, and role players like Marcus Morris to match salaries. Sources from Live Cricket BPL report that the Clippers are now actively negotiating with other teams to acquire additional first-rounders, signaling their commitment to finalize the deal. This level of urgency marks a dramatic shift from their earlier reluctance. Thanks to Harden’s professional posture, both teams now seem aligned with his vision.
Unlike Simmons, who lost millions due to holdouts, Harden stands to gain both a move to the Clippers and possibly even a pay raise. His strategy may well secure him a win-win outcome.
Meanwhile, his teammates are showing support. Joel Embiid recently stated that Harden and Simmons are fundamentally different, noting that his relationship with Harden remains strong. The tension between Embiid and Simmons, which once boiled over into open conflict, was never a factor with Harden. Tobias Harris echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Harden isn’t trying to sabotage the team and is even open to staying in Philly for another season if necessary.
In other words, while Harden still hopes to land in Los Angeles, he’s mentally prepared to give it his all for one more season in Philly. Live Cricket BPL believes part of the Clippers’ change in posture may stem from internal pressure by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and the franchise’s confidence that Harden will agree to a long-term deal. For many teams, Harden’s perceived rental status was the main hesitation. But judging by the Clippers’ current aggression, it’s highly likely that a contract extension is already in the works.
As the pieces fall into place, one thing is clear: Harden’s calculated patience has pushed both teams exactly where he wanted them—and this time, it’s business done right.