James Harden should be weary of his desired destination

James Harden's standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers has taken another turn. The former MVP has reportedly set his sights on joining a Western Conference contender this offseason. According to a report by The Athletic's Sam Amick, James Harden is "determined" to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

“And even with the recent revelation that Harden attended the same NBPA party as Sixers co-star Joel Embiid and former Sixers owner Michael Rubin in Vegas, he’s still determined to start next season in a Clippers jersey,” Amick wrote.

If Harden's goal is to win an NBA championship, you have to ask why he's choosing the L.A. Clippers. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have both struggled with injuries during their tenure in Los Angeles. The Clippers are contenders on paper, sure. Yet, we haven't seen any tangible success from L.A.'s second team. 

Other guards have trotted through the doors of the Crypto.com Arena in the hope of plugging the gap left by Leonard or George when they're missing with injury. John Wall tried and failed. Russell Westbrook rebuilt his value with the Clippers after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, but again, the team failed to compete for a banner. And now, Harden will be the latest 30-something guard to try to elevate the Clippers toward a championship.

In truth, Harden has a better chance of contending with the Sixers. Philadelphia wouldn't have to face Nikola Jokic until the NBA Finals. They wouldn't have to get through LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker would be a concern for another day. And, of course, the Golden State Warriors would also be someone else's problem. 

Leonard and George are two elite wing players. When healthy, the Clippers are absolutely contenders. Unfortunately, neither of the All-Star wings is healthy enough to be relied upon. Harden is buying into a fairytale, and it could cost him the one thing he covets most. Perhaps, next season will be the year Leonard and George figure things out and both stay on the court. But, if the last four years have taught us anything, it's that the Clippers keep telling themselves, and us, that next year will be the year.