The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly looking for a trade for James Harden. The 36-year-old was absent from the squad in recent games.
The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are apparently working on a possible trade ahead of Thursday’s NBA deadline. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, both sides are currently exploring whether a deal can be made.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, in particular, are showing interest. The 36-year-old has veto power, as his two-year contract worth $81.5 million is only guaranteed for this season, with the second year being a player option.
Harden missed the games in Phoenix and against Philadelphia for “personal reasons.” Coach Tyronn Lue explained that the ten-time All-Star is currently recovering at his home in Phoenix.
James Harden is facing a departure from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is Harden’s fifth NBA stop
After a 6:21 start, the shooting guard led LA back towards the play-in – with a 23:26 record, the Clippers are now ninth. “I feel blessed to play in my hometown,” Harden told ESPN, “and we can turn things around.” The current development seems all the more surprising.
Los Angeles is already Harden’s fifth stop after Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. In 2023, the franchise acquired him to compete for the title with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, George moved to the Sixers as a free agent in 2024 and was shortly thereafter suspended for 25 games for violating anti-doping rules. Now Harden could also leave – barely a year after his arrival.
Will Harden leave the Clippers?
Individually, the former MVP continues to deliver: With a step-back three-pointer, Harden recently surpassed Shaquille O’Neal and is now ninth on the all-time scoring list.
Whether he will soon play for Cleveland or remain in LA will be decided in the next 48 hours. The clock is ticking – and Harden holds the biggest leverage himself.