Clippers, Harden discussing possible trade ahead of Thursday deadline
clippers-harden-trade-exploration-cavaliers-interest
The LA Clippers and guard James Harden are determining whether to complete a trade before Thursday’s NBA deadline, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday night.
According to the report, the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams showing strong interest in acquiring the 36-year-old veteran.
Harden is earning $39.2 million this season and holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026-27. Because his contract is officially listed as a one-year deal, he holds veto power over any trade, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted. The former MVP also carries a 15 percent trade bonus currently worth $2.36 million.
The Clippers have listed Harden as out for the past two contests, including Monday’s matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, citing “personal reasons.”
Now in his 17th NBA season, Harden continues to rank among the league’s elite offensive playmakers, producing his highest scoring average since his last full year with the Houston Rockets. He has been central to Los Angeles’ recent surge.
Los Angeles obtained Harden from Philadelphia in 2023. He has helped the Clippers reach the postseason twice, though both runs ended in the opening round.
Durability has been a strength: Harden appeared in more than 70 games in each of the previous two campaigns and is on pace to eclipse that mark again. An 11-time All-Star—he narrowly missed selection this season—the 2018 MVP is still chasing his first NBA championship.
Source: ESPN
