‘T-Mann is gonna be here’

Terance Mann, a valuable player in the rotation, has found himself at the center of swirling James Harden trade rumors. Harden has expressed his desire to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Clippers are also interested in acquiring him. However, as the sole suitor for Harden, the Clippers have deliberately kept their offer low, much to the frustration of Philadelphia’s Daryl Morey. One of the sticking points in the potential trade is the Clippers’ unwillingness to include Mann. Morey reportedly believes he could trade Mann for another first-round pick, but the Clippers recognize the need for depth if the trade were to happen, and since there are no other interested parties, the Clippers are not willing to outbid themselves.

Prior to the Clippers’ final preseason game, coach Tyronn Lue commented on Mann and the Harden trade rumors, stating, “We love T-Mann, and T-Mann is gonna be here. So we’re not worried about what they’re saying outside, all the speculations. It’s a good thing to be wanted.”

This is the official stance of the Clippers. Currently, Los Angeles has no incentive to increase their offer, just as the 76ers have no reason to lower their trade demands. To break the deadlock and facilitate a Harden trade, there needs to be a change in the dynamics. If the Clippers struggle at the beginning of the season, it may alter the front office’s perception of trading Mann.

The Clippers will not let Mann stand in the way of the trade if they decide to pursue it. However, at the moment, there is no justification for them to improve their offer. Therefore, the entire process remains at a standstill.

This ongoing saga continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic twists and turns. Today, Harden did not attend the 76ers shootaround, and the team officially announced his absence for their final preseason game on Friday night.