ESPN’s Tim Bontemps polled 15 scouts, coaches and executives from around the NBA about a number of topics, including the unresolved futures of Damian Lillard and James Harden. While the panel was relatively split on whether Lillard would begin the season with the Portland Trail Blazers—nine said yes and six said no—results were far more lopsided for Harden.
Out of the 15 people polled, only two expected Harden to begin the season on a team other than the Sixers. Both of them chose the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden’s preferred trade destination.
“I don’t think [Morey] wants to trade him, and I don’t know if someone is willing to give enough for him to move him,” an East executive told Bontemps.