Clippers coach Ty Lue knew exactly what to say when he was asked about his thoughts on James Harden as a basketball player.
When NBA on ESPN’s Malika Andrews put the question to Lue on Wednesday, he simply said “I don’t know.”
In June, Harden exercised his $35.6 million player option for the 2023–24 season, with hopes that the 76ers would be able to find a trade partner. The star guard has been vocal about his desire to be traded to the Clippers, and he went as far as skipping Philadelphia’s media day on Monday to get his point across.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported in September that the Clippers had ended trade talks regarding Harden.
Still, Lue made sure he didn’t add to any conversation regarding a potential Harden trade in order to avoid a tampering fine.
Ty lue 😂 pic.twitter.com/9SiaYK0Wfx
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 5, 2023
If Lue had commented on trying to bring Harden to the Clippers, or even spoke to his value as a player, he could’ve potentially been fined by the league for tampering.
Harden participated in the 76ers’ training camp in Colorado this week, but it remains to be seen how his situation with the team will develop as the regular season approaches.
