Over the last few months, Clippers forward Terance Mann was frequently attached to trade rumors involving James Harden. The reported hold-up in a deal was Los Angeles considering Mann “untouchable” while 76ers executive Daryl Morey insisted on him being included.
Yet the two teams finally agreed on a trade without including Mann or guard Norman Powell. Those players are relieved to still be with the Clippers, according to NBA reporter Mark Medina. How Harden fits in with his new team is uncertain and will be scrutinized closely in the weeks to come.
Mann didn’t appear to be impressed or excited by Harden’s addition to the team when the veteran scorer entered the Clippers’ locker room for the first time. Perhaps that’s because he was looking at the man who nearly caused him to be traded to Philadelphia. But he was also surprised that he’ll now be playing with Harden instead of being exchanged for him.
Terance Mann’s face 😂 https://t.co/uchC3OE8Um pic.twitter.com/xjqHg6M3Tl
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) November 1, 2023
“I’m shocked, but I’m here. It’s dope,” Mann told Medina before Tuesday’s matchup with the Magic. “I was just shocked. Everybody has been talking about it. But I didn’t know it was going to happen, right then and there.”
Mann has missed the Clippers’ past three games with an ankle injury. But his return to the lineup could coincide with Harden’s debut unless Mann plays Wednesday night against the Lakers, after which the team has a five-day layoff.
Though it hasn’t been officially announced, the Clippers are pointing to Monday’s matchup with the Knicks for Harden’s first game with the team. His presence on the roster could change Mann’s role in coach Tyronn Lue’s regular game plan.
