NBA Trade Buzz: Teams Monitor James Harden; Kings Seen as Deadline Movers; Pacers Keep Tabs on Walker Kessler
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Rival front offices are tracking the status of Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, league sources told reporter Marc Stein. Harden, 36, holds a partially guaranteed player option for the 2026-27 season, and the Clippers’ uneven play has sparked speculation about potential roster changes.
If Los Angeles chooses to shift direction, Harden would become one of the most prominent playmaking targets on the market. Stein noted that the Minnesota Timberwolves are among the clubs actively looking for a primary facilitator, positioning them as a possible suitor should the Clippers entertain offers. For now, discussions are considered exploratory.
Kings Expected to Be Aggressive
Multiple league executives anticipate the Sacramento Kings will be busy before the trade deadline. One executive described the organization as “active,” adding that only a handful of players appear off-limits. Fourth-year forward Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford are viewed as the closest to untouchable, according to Stein.
Most other Kings players are available to some extent, and Sacramento has reportedly made veterans Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan part of recent trade conversations. However, the team is unwilling to attach premium draft capital or rising guard Keon Ellis solely to move salary.
Pacers Maintain Interest in Walker Kessler
The Indiana Pacers continue to inquire about Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, echoing earlier reports from Grant Afseth. Despite Indiana’s persistence, Utah has given no indication it plans to trade the 22-year-old before he reaches restricted free agency, Stein added.
For now, the Pacers’ pursuit appears to be on hold unless the Jazz reconsider their stance.
Source: Hoops Wire
