After a 122-101 loss to the Thunder on Thursday, the Clippers are 6-21. That is 14th of 15 teams in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles is 1-9 in their last 10 and has lost five straight. Additionally, they have a 3-13 record in their previous 16 games. It has been a struggle for the Clippers to win consistently in 2025-26. Recently, NBA insider Marc Stein shared that one Clippers player is on the radar of other teams. Stein reported that James Haraden is “being monitored closely” by rival teams.
Will the Clippers trade James Harden to gain more draft capital?
James Harden’s name has been circulating on the trade market, per @TheSteinLine
“One well-placed Western Conference observer shared this week that James Harden’s status going forward is being monitored closely by various teams given his career goals at age 36 and the Clippers’… pic.twitter.com/kzqsUlbpvl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 18, 2025
This offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers signed James Harden to a two-year, $81.5 million deal. The 36-year-old is on the books for $39.1 million in 2025-26. Harden has a $42.3 million player option in 2026-27. The veteran PG has played in 25 of the team’s 27 games this season. He is averaging 26.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His points and assists per game lead the Clippers in 2025-26.
Recently, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that James Harden is “being monitored closely” by rival teams. He noted that trade partners are aware of Harden’s age and final career goal. Over 17 professional seasons, James Harden has done everything but win an NBA championship. Would the 36-year-old be open to being traded to a contender and taking a reduced role? Those are the sacrifices he might have to make if traded by the Clippers.
Teams are closely monitoring James Harden status with the Clippers, per @TheSteinLine
“One well-placed Western Conference observer shared this week that James Harden’s status going forward is being monitored closely by various teams given his career goals at age 36 and the… pic.twitter.com/Y1KmrgbNV8
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 18, 2025
Marc Stein also added the Clippers’ unfavorable situation as a reason to make a trade. Los Angeles has traded away a first-round draft pick in 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. Not ideal for the future of the franchise. It could be in the best interest of the team to part ways with Harden and get draft capital back in return.
At 6-21, the Clippers have serious decisions to make. James Harden is playing at an all-star level in 2025-26. However, that season is being wasted due to the team’s poor roster construction. At the end of the season, James Harden could opt out of his current deal. Rival teams could view this year as a one-year rental for Harden. With the chance to sign him for the 2026-27 season. We’ll have to wait and see if the Clippers are willing to make a move.
