Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux), Ben Golliver of the Washington Post (@BenGolliver) and Kevin Pelton of ESPN (@kpelton) go in-depth on the NBA’s Pacific Division.

They discuss how the Kings, Suns, Warriors, Lakers and Clippers fared in the off-season, including which teams improved and what moves stood out. The three also predict the season to come, including projected finish, breakout players and rookies they are most excited to see.

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A contentious offseason between James Harden the Philadelphia 76ers was ratcheted up when the team communicated they expect him in camp and the player responded by calling Daryl Morey "a liar." 

The timing of the Sixers making that declaration could have been dictated by the Los Angeles Clippers moving on from trade talks. The Sixers did not see a market materialize for Harden beyond the Clippers.

"One of the things that happened here is I think the Clippers had decided there was no trade," said Brian Windhorst on his podcast. "I think the Clippers were going to move on from it and at least from talking to Philly about it. I think the only option Philly had at the time was the Clippers and so when that never got off the ground, from what I understand. They had multiple conversations... You can see the two rosters. You can see what the trade pieces are. You can understand why they wouldn't [do a trade].

"As long as Philly wasn't interested in taking some assets from the Clippers and then making an offer, probably with Tyrese Maxey for Damian Lillard, I don't see how a Clipper trade makes a ton of sense for them anyway.

"I think what ticked James off was that they announced they wanted to bring him back and he was reacting to that more than anything."

Nicolas Batum plans on retiring from competitive basketball at the end of the 23-24 season when his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers expires, according to his wife Lily Tatum.

Batum will play for France in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which will be his final games. Batum had previously announced his plans to retire from France's national team following the Olympics. 

Batum was the 25th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft and has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets and Clippers.

The Philadelphia 76ers have ended trade talks involving James Harden and intend to bring him back to the team during training camp.

The Sixers and Los Angeles Clippers had periodic discussions on a trade involving Harden, but the two sides were unable to gain any traction.

When Harden opted into his $35.6 million option for 23-24 with the Sixers, the team agreed to accommodate him with a trade. The Sixers ultimately decided not to make a trade they felt would compromise their chances of competing for a title.

Harden has been emphatic in seeking a trade from the Sixers as they reportedly do not view him as part of their long-term plans.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pick up trade discussions on James Harden again this offseason, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Neither side appears to be in a rush to do a deal or to move off their current position.

Various reports have indicated that Terance Mann is a key to any deal for both sides. 

Harden is on a $35.6 million expiring contract.

Jordan Miller has signed a two-way contract with the LA Clippers. LA drafted Miller with the 48th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft out of the University of Miami.

In five Summer League games with the Clippers, Miller averaged 6.8 points per game. The 6-foot-7 win also grabbed 3.8 rebounds, handed out 2.8 assists and snagged 1.2 steals per game.

In 37 games as a senior with the Hurricanes, Miller averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.