James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers are discussing whether a deal can be reached before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, according to sources who spoke to ESPN.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams showing serious interest in acquiring Harden, sources told Charania.
The 36-year-old Harden has significant control over any potential transfer, as he is essentially only under contract for this season.
The second year of his two-year, $81.5 million deal is a player option and not fully guaranteed, giving him veto power over any trade.
Harden did not play in the Clippers games Sunday in Phoenix and Monday against Philadelphia for personal reasons.
Head coach Tyronn Lue said before Monday’s game that Harden was at his home in Phoenix.
Despite missing time, Harden has played a key role in the Clippers’ recovery after a 6-21 start to the season.
He recently told ESPN that he felt “blessed” to play in his hometown of Los Angeles and said he believed the team could “all the way back” from its early struggles.
The Clippers acquired Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023 to pair him with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. George later left Los Angeles as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
