The Los Angeles Clippers could potentially send star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to multiple reports.
Clippers, James Harden Discussing Trade
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday on SportsCenter that Harden and the Clippers have been discussing whether it would be “mutually beneficial” to trade the future Hall of Famer.
“My understanding is both of these sides have been aligned in these conversations, and it’s been made possible because he has a mutual option in his contract for next season,” Charania reported.
“It’s a $13 million partial guarantee, and that has allowed both sides over the last few days to have conversations about whether he has a long-term future potentially in L.A., and whether that could be possible,” Charania continued.
“So now both sides are discussing: is there a mutually beneficial option? Is there something beneficial for James Harden — to land with a team he wants to go compete for a championship? This is a Clippers team that right now is in the play-in tournament race. Can I land with a team that can go win a championship?”
Cavaliers Eyeing Harden
Among the teams interested in acquiring Harden is the Cavaliers.
“One of the teams that has jumped out as among the most interested teams for Harden right now: the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Charania added. “Donovan Mitchell — obviously championship expectations right now. They’re one of the most interested teams in him, from my understanding.”
The Clippers reportedly are also in “advanced” talks with the Cavs about trading Harden before Thursday’s deadline, sources told Sports Illustrated on Monday.
Harden did not play in Los Angeles’ home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night after head coach Ty Lue said the 11-time All-Star was “home in Phoenix” due to “personal reasons.”
He also missed Sunday’s road game versus the Suns.
Harden Has Played For Five NBA Teams
L.A. acquired Harden in a trade deal with the 76ers in October 2023.
Through 195 career NBA regular-season games (all starts) with the Clippers, he’s averaged 21.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 35 minutes per outing while shooting 41.8% from the field and 36% from deep.
Harden passed Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during a 117-109 home win over the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 12.
In addition, the former first-rounder earned All-NBA Third-Team honors last season after averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in 79 appearances with L.A.
Across his 17-year career, Harden’s played for five total teams — the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Sixers, and Clippers.
Per Spotrac, Harden is currently in the first season of his two-year, $81.5 million contract. His deal includes a 15% trade bonus and a $42.31 million player option for 2026-27.
More importantly, Harden has control over where he ends up because of his no-trade clause. The contractual provision gives players the right to block any trade to a team that they don’t want to play for.
