INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The LA Clippers and James Harden are in talks about a potential trade before the NBA’s deadline this Thursday. Interest is also coming from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Harden, now 36, has a unique position in these discussions. He holds veto power over any trade due to his player option for the second year of his contract, valued at $81.5 million. This means he can choose to stay or go, making the situation even more complex.
Harden missed a couple of games lately for personal reasons, including Sunday’s win against the Suns and Monday’s loss to the 76ers. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue mentioned that Harden means a lot to the team, expressing hope that he stays beyond the deadline.
Harden’s arrival has energized the Clippers, who struggled early on with a 6-21 record but are now vying for a play-in spot. He recently shared that playing in Los Angeles feels “blessed” and he believes the team can turn their season around.
This move would mark Harden’s fifth team in his career, having previously played for Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. He joined the Clippers in 2023 to team up with stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, George is now suspended for 25 games due to a violation of the NBA’s drug policy.
In his ongoing quest for greatness, Harden recently surpassed Shaquille O’Neal to become ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. It’s a testament to his skill and resilience, especially as he navigates his current situation with the Clippers.
This trade talk comes during an interesting time in the league. A recent survey showed that fans are eager for more player movement as the trade deadline approaches, indicating that excitement around player trades remains high. In this context, Harden’s future could shape not just his career but the landscape of the NBA itself.
As discussions unfold, all eyes will be on the Clippers and Harden—not just for a potential trade, but for their chances to make a significant season turnaround.
