The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are back in the trade rumor spotlight, and this time, it's not just smoke. According to multiple reports, the Clippers and Harden are working together to explore potential trade options ahead of Thursday’s deadline - a clear sign that both sides are open to a significant shake-up.
One of the teams reportedly in the mix? The Cleveland Cavaliers.
Talks between the Cavs and Clippers are ongoing, and while nothing is imminent, the fact that Cleveland is in the conversation adds an intriguing wrinkle. The Cavs are a playoff-caliber team with a strong backcourt already, but the idea of adding an 11-time All-Star like Harden could signal a push for more offensive firepower as the postseason approaches.
Harden, who’s been absent from the Clippers’ last two games due to personal reasons, remains a bit of a mystery at the moment. Head coach Tyronn Lue didn’t offer much clarity when asked about Harden’s status ahead of Monday’s matchup against the 76ers.
“No,” Lue said bluntly when asked if he had any updates. “I just know he was home in Phoenix and just personal reasons, so I’m not sure.”
It’s a curious situation, especially considering the stakes. Harden, now 36, signed a two-year, $81.5 million deal with L.A. this past June after declining his player option.
He holds a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and has the power to veto any trade. That kind of leverage means Harden won’t be moved unless he wants to be - and unless the deal makes sense for all parties.
There’s also a 15% trade bonus baked into his contract, currently valued at $2.36 million, which adds another layer of complexity to any potential move.
On the floor, Harden has been productive this season - and then some. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 41.9% from the field.
That scoring average is the highest he's posted since the 2019-20 season, when he finished third in MVP voting behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. In other words, Harden still has plenty left in the tank, and teams in the hunt for a deep playoff run are taking notice.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have completely flipped the script on their season. After stumbling out of the gate with a 5-16 start, they’ve found their rhythm and are no longer looking like a team ready to tear it all down.
Back in December, the word was that L.A. wasn’t interested in a fire sale - and that still appears to be the case. Instead, they’re eyeing moves that could upgrade the roster around their core.
To make any deal work, especially one involving a contract as large as Harden’s, matching salaries is a must. That’s where names like Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Nicolas Batum come into play.
All are veterans on expiring deals, and all could be used as trade pieces to facilitate a larger move. Whether that’s part of a Harden deal or another roster tweak remains to be seen.
For now, the Clippers are keeping their options open - and so is Harden. With the deadline fast approaching, this is one storyline that’s worth watching closely. If a deal does happen, it could reshape not just the Clippers’ season, but the playoff picture across the league.