Clippers Big Man Slams Sixers Amid New James Harden Rumor

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Nets star James Harden may very well be on his option to Philadelphia on the NBA commerce deadline.

The Los Angeles Clippers scored what have been considered two massive wins in 14 days. The Western Convention’s No. 8 seed beat the Philadelphia 76ers 102-101, then they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-110. The victories have been marked extra spectacular since Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook have been all lively.

However veteran massive man Marcus Morris walked away unimpressed. He sees greater issues on the horizon for the Clippers and thinks each the Sixers and Lakers are common groups at finest. Neither squad is wherever close to being “nice,” in accordance with Morris (by way of Ohm Youngmisuk).

“I imply s***, each of them groups is fairly common from what I’ve seen,” Morris mentioned. “Like I don’t see them simply being nice groups.”

Harsh phrases from a guy averaging 15.8 factors and 5.1 rebounds in simply 29 video games this season. Morris did throw up 29 factors in opposition to Davis and the Lakers, however Embiid held the Philly native (Prep Constitution, by way of APEX Academy in Pennsauken, NJ) to only 12 factors.

The remarks shouldn’t be surprising popping out of the mouth of one of many league’s biggest instigators. Morris is an elite trash talker, on and off the court docket. He’s had many run-ins with the 32-year-old journeyman, together with throwdowns with three totally different Morris groups (Celtics, Clippers, Knicks).

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James Harden Discussions Open: Report

The Sixers’ dogged pursuit of James Harden has been the worst stored secret in basketball. Workforce president Daryl Morey badly desires the 2018 MVP in a Philly uniform however appeared content material to attend till the offseason to make his transfer. Not anymore.

In response to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Sixers and Nets will “interact in dialogue on a deal round Simmons for Harden” forward of the deadline on February 10. Harden is coping with tightness in his left hamstring and sat out Friday’s recreation.

The following query is, would Morey be keen to surrender for the 10-time All-Star? The Sixers have a gifted nucleus of budding younger stars which may tempt Brooklyn. Matisse Thybulle, Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry would all be up for dialogue, per Charania. It’s lots to give up and there’s no “urgency.”

“The anticipated openness to interact doesn’t imply a deal will come to fruition — the Nets would certainly desire a important haul from the 76ers,” wrote Charania. “Nevertheless it has opened the door to the opportunity of a serious blockbuster deal to happen on deadline week, which implies Morey and the 76ers are primed to have their shot at Harden in-season, a possible deal that when appeared solely attainable within the summertime.”

Maxey Ought to Be Untouchable in Deal

It’s fascinating to see Maxey’s name come up within the latest Harden rumor. It’s not the primary time, however Sixers followers have been hoping all that speak was over following a report the second-year guard from Kentucky was untouchable. He should be. Maxey was simply added to the Rising Stars for All-Star Weekend after a stunning week.

He averaged 16.8 points per game in January whereas capturing 45.5% from three-point land. The 21-year-old is flourishing and his teammates love taking part in with him. Sure, Harden is a perennial MVP candidate. Everybody is aware of that. Nonetheless, Maxey has the “it issue” that may’t be taught — and Sixers followers adore him.

“I imply, the child is placing up All-Star numbers,” ahead Georges Niang mentioned of Maxey. “I imply, he’s probably the greatest sophomores, if not the most effective within the league proper now. He’s doing an ideal job of controlling this workforce and doing every thing we ask of him, and he’s been nothing however great.”