James Harden could be ‘out of the league next year’ if he fails to succeed with the Clippers, claims former NBA GM: ‘The majority of teams do not want him at any price’

James Harden finally had his wish granted after months of tugging and pulling with the Philadelphia 76ers but it could be his final chance in the NBA, according to a former general manger. 

On October 31, Harden was traded to the LA Clippers — lining him up with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and former teammate Russell Westbrook. 

But according to former Suns general manager Ryan McDonough, the lack of interest around Harden in the trade market makes his time in LA a make-or-break for his career. 

‘I think for Harden, individually, there’s not a lot of interest,’ McDonough said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. ‘The majority of teams do not want him at any price, even a non-guaranteed minimum, where he’d have to earn it.

‘I think one of the things that would be alarming is Harden goes through all of this, there is a lack of interest, he ends up in LA and without showing any remorse or self-reflection, his first comments are “I am the system.”’

Former Suns general manager Ryan McDonough claimed Harden could be ‘out of the league’

Before joining the Clippers, Harden, 34, forced his way out of the Houston Rockets then the Brooklyn Nets to find himself in Philadelphia playing alongside reigning MVP Joel Embiid. This makes the Clippers Harden’s fourth team since 2021.

After the 76ers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Harden requested a trade to the Clippers as his conflict with Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey reached fever pitch. In August, Harden went as far as publicly calling Morey a liar during an event in China. Meanwhile Morey, refused to send Harden to LA if the Clippers did not meet his price. 

Harden reported late to training camp claiming his relationship with Morey was ‘beyond repair’ before leaving for an excused absence. Upon his return, Harden reportedly was denied access to the team plane heading to the 76ers season opener in Milwaukee. Days later, Harden was in Southern California as a Clipper. 

Harden publicly called Daryl Morey a liar during a marketing event in China over the summer

The guard was on the Clippers bench during their overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers

‘I think it has to work in LA — if it doesn’t work, I think there’s a chance that he’s out of the league next year,’ McDonough added.  

The Clippers have been one of the highly-favored teams in the Western Conference since signing George and Leonard in 2019. However, they have been plagued by injuries with their best finish being a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2021. 

In 2023, the Clippers acquired Westbrook from the Los Angeles Lakers before falling to the Suns in the first round of the Playoffs. 

Harden is expected to debut for the 3-2 Clippers on Monday against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.