The Los Angeles Clippers are in a free fall, and James Harden is right in the middle of it.
After Monday’s 140-123 loss to the Miami Heat, the Clippers dropped to 5-16 on the season-a record that doesn’t just raise eyebrows, it sounds alarms. Harden, brought in to be a stabilizing veteran presence and playmaker, had one of his roughest nights yet.
He finished with just 11 points in 20 minutes and posted a staggering -39 impact rating, according to ESPN. That’s not just a bad night-it’s a red flag.
Clippers fans are already restless, and talk of a potential Harden trade is gaining steam. There’s speculation swirling about whether Harden might want out-again-and maybe even eyeing a return to Philadelphia, where he had his last All-Star-caliber run. That chatter has picked up traction on social media, with fans from across the league weighing in.
One Timberwolves supporter, clearly a big Naz Reid fan, even joked about being willing to part with the rising big man to bring in Harden. “Yes, as a Naz fan I will trade him away for Harden,” they wrote on X.
Others pointed to Harden’s passive play-particularly his reluctance to shoot-as a sign that he might already be mentally checking out. “Good thing is Harden stopped shooting so that means he’s about to check out and request a trade,” one fan posted.
Then there’s the looming December 15 date-the first day players signed this offseason become eligible to be traded. That’s when things could really get interesting.
One fan summed it up like this: “They can't trade until 12/15, so this is the team they have. My guess: Dunn, Collins, and Harden are gone.”
But it’s not just Harden. The Clippers are dealing with a storm of issues, both on and off the court.
On the hardwood, the numbers don’t lie. Twenty-plus games in, and the team looks disjointed.
Injuries have hit hard. Bradley Beal is out for the season with a hip injury that will require surgery.
Kawhi Leonard, the team’s cornerstone, is still working his way back from ankle and foot issues. And while the roster is packed with names, it’s also aging fast-and the cohesion just hasn’t been there.
Off the court, things aren’t much cleaner. Leonard is currently under NBA investigation over whether he and his camp tried to skirt salary cap rules in connection with an endorsement deal from the now-defunct financial company Aspiration. That situation is still unfolding, but it’s another distraction for a team that can’t afford any more.
Then there’s Harden’s offseason controversy. He was sued for negligence after his nephew was accused of sexual assault-another off-court issue that casts a shadow over his presence in the locker room.
Put it all together, and you’ve got a team that’s not just underperforming-they’re unraveling. The Clippers entered the season with championship aspirations, but right now, they’re struggling to stay relevant in a loaded Western Conference. And with the trade window about to open, don’t be surprised if big changes are coming.