Arya News - The Clippers have engaged in discussions surrounding veteran guard James Harden.
In the days leading up to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline , the Los Angeles Clippers have engaged in discussions surrounding veteran guard James Harden — with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the forefront of teams that have recently expressed interest in acquiring the former All-Star — sources told Yahoo Sports.
Harden, 36, has missed the past two games due to personal reasons. The former Arizona State guard was present at his alma mater for a Jan. 31 home game vs. Arizona, the No. 1-ranked collegiate team in the nation. The following day, with the Clippers also in town to take on the Phoenix Suns — a distance of just 10 miles between arenas — Harden was ruled out.
“No,” Clippers head coach Ty Lue told reporters on Monday when asked if he had any insight into Harden’s absence. “I just know he was home in Phoenix and just personal reasons, so I’m not sure.”
Cleveland’s initial interest in Harden dates back to December, sources say, in the midst of the Clippers’ dismal 6-21 start. During that time, a number of key veterans expressed frustration and the front office explored potential deals for the likes of Harden, John Collins and Brook Lopez, among others, sources say. The Cavaliers have also canvassed the point guard market at various points over the past few months. Subsequently, the Clippers have held a longstanding interest in seventh-year guard Darius Garland, sources say. According to Spotrac, both Harden and Garland are earning $39 million for the 2025-26 season.
It’s important to note that because of the current CBA, Harden has the ability to veto any trade. Players who return to their current team on a one-year deal or a two-year deal with a player option are given an implicit no-trade clause.
The Cavaliers, who have won eight out of their last 10 games and sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, are seeking upgrades to their backcourt. Cleveland recently traded wing De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis , but are still without Garland — who has played just 26 games this season, missing the past eight games with a Grade 1 right great toe sprain. The presence of a surefire lead ballhandler would take pressure off of All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who has spent 40% of his minutes as primary playmaker, per Cleaning the Glass. In those minutes, Cleveland’s offensive efficiency is slightly down and their turnover rate has gone up.
Moving off of Garland and his remaining money — he’s owed an additional $86 million in 2027 and 2028 — would also lessen Cleveland’s financial burden. The Cavaliers are nearly $34 million over the luxury tax and approximately $15 million over the second apron, according to Spotrac.
One thought from rival executives potentially at the heart of Harden’s absence is his current contract. The $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 deal is only partially guaranteed, but Harden, who is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, has been a key catalyst of the Clippers’ resurgence. According to Cleaning the Glass, Los Angeles’ offense is nearly 12 points better per 100 possessions with Harden on the floor, which places him in the 98th percentile of point guards. Harden’s ability to maintain scoring volume combined with his playmaking proficiency, even at age 36, makes him a desirable asset for contending teams.
Because of the Stepien Rule, the Clippers can only trade up to two first-round picks in 2030 and 2032, in addition to a swap in 2031. The Oklahoma City Thunder control the Clippers’ 2026 first-round pick from the Paul George trade in 2019, and the Philadelphia 76ers control their 2028 first-round pick, ironically from the Harden trade in 2023.