Sixers

James Harden Somehow Manages to Speak About His Trade Situation When Answering A Question About Damian Lillard

By Kyle Pagan

Published: Jul 25th, 2023 · 2:44 PM EDT

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James Harden was asked on an interview with Mackenzie Salmon from USA Today about Damian Lillard’s demand that he only wants to play for Miami and if it was good or bad for the league. During the answer he basically ended up giving us a look inside his own mind and his own demands this offseason:

He middle-manned the shit out of that answer, lol. He just replayed the same playbook every white dude in the middle of the pandemic did when a socially charged topic came up at a party, and you didn’t know what side of the aisle a guest sat on.

“Democrat or Republican? Uh….uh…oy…I see pros and cons for both sides, ya know?”

As you continue to fumble your words before just blurting out you hate both sides and slink to the kitchen to get another beer.

So yea, the Blazers (Sixers) don’t want to give up Lillard (Harden) for nothing and Lillard (Harden) wants to play somewhere that he’ll enjoy so the Blazers (Sixers) should do that too. Somehow find a balance and meet in the middle because that’s how NBA trades have always worked. Is James Harden a Libertarian?

Why is James Harden giving interviews to USA Today? No knock against the host, that was a great question, but when was the last time you got anything out of an interview from a legacy newspaper’s digital arm? I feel like athlete interviews nowadays are used for leverage and crafting narratives using other athlete’s platforms. Was JJ Reddick or All the Smoke booked? Is Draymond or Paul George on vacation? Does this mean legacy media is back? I did not see USA Today giving me a look inside Harden’s mind when my head left my pillow this morning.

P.S. Buckle up with these James Harden trade rumors. According to Kyle Neubeck at PhillyVoice the Clippers are still hesitant about including Terrance Mann in a deal. We’re only just beginning:

Harden has had a Clippers or bust mentality this summer, and with Harden making clear he wants to play for the L.A. Clippers this upcoming season, there has been hesitation for anyone to offer up what the Sixers feel is proper value. That applies to the Clippers, too, who are said to be reluctant to part with role player Terance Mann as part of a broader package for Harden.