James Harden has been instrumental in turning the Clippers into one of the NBA’s hottest teams over the last six weeks, despite a rough start to their season. However, he might not remain with the team for the rest of the campaign.
Several sources indicate that Harden and the Clippers are negotiating a trade to move him to a different team before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Reports frequently suggest a potential swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers involving Harden and guard Darius Garland. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix described the talks as “progressive.” The Clippers are set to face the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday.
Harden, 36, scored 25 points and handed out nine assists in 34 minutes during the Clippers’ 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday but has missed the two subsequent games for personal reasons, according to the team.
The trade rumors surfaced Monday as the Clippers fell 128-113 to the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. When asked about the situation at his postgame press conference, Coach Tyronn Lue declined to comment.
Forward Kawhi Leonard expressed surprise about the trade talk and showed support for Harden’s choices, stating, “I respect his decision, or anyone’s decision, that’s all. So he’s still going to be my son and I have confidence in the front office.”
John Collins, another Clippers forward, found the news “shocking” and admitted he would be “disappointed” if Harden were to leave so close to the playoffs. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Harden initiated trade discussions, and the Clippers were reportedly unsettled by his wish to part ways. The conversations have been ongoing for several weeks.
This past offseason, Harden signed a two-year, $81 million deal to stay with the Clippers, with the second year being a partially guaranteed player option. ESPN reports that Harden holds the right to veto any trade.
An 11-time NBA All-Star and the 2018 league MVP, Harden has played for five different teams since 2023, currently averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in his 17th season.
Darius Garland, the Cavaliers’ 26-year-old two-time All-Star who averages 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over seven seasons, has a contract running through 2028. However, he has been sidelined since January 14 with a Grade 1 sprain to his right big toe.
The Clippers began the season disastrously at 6-21 after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 18 but have since won 17 of 22 games, climbing into the ninth seed in the Western Conference, a potential play-in position.
When asked if Harden should remain on the team for the playoffs and beyond, Lue simply replied, “Who wouldn’t want to get James Harden?”
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This article first appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
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Fan Take: This potential trade could reshape the dynamics of the Western and Eastern Conferences alike, offering fresh opportunities for both teams involved. For basketball fans, Harden’s possible departure from the Clippers underscores how quickly team chemistry and playoff hopes can shift, intensifying the drama and excitement of the trade deadline every season.
