The Clippers were “stunned” to learn that James Harden wanted out of Los Angeles, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, who reports (via Twitter) that Harden and his camp expressed his desire to be traded.
However, Harden must have informed the team some time ago, as Siegel and his ClutchPoints colleague Tomer Azarly hear Harden and the Clippers have been discussing the possibility of parting ways for “weeks” (Twitter link). L.A. has strong interest in Darius Garland, per Siegel and Azarly.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier that the Clippers and Harden were working together to try and find a suitable deal by Thursday’s deadline. The Cavaliers appear to be the frontrunner to land the 11-time All-Star, but other teams appear to be in the mix as well.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, rival teams have speculated that Harden’s contract may be at the center of the trade request. The 36-year-old has a player option for 2026/27 worth $42.32MM, but only $13.32MM of that figure is guaranteed.
The Cavs are seeking draft compensation, particularly a first-round pick or swap, to trade Garland for Harden, sources tell Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated (Twitter link). The Clippers have balked at that idea, says Mannix.
Appearing on SportsCenter (Twitter video link), Charania reports that Harden has expressed reservations about his future with the Clippers. The eight-time All-NBA is hoping to land with a championship contender, according to Charania, who confirms the Cavaliers are one of the main suitors for Harden.
Sources tell Azarly and Siegel that Harden was hoping to sign a two-year, $80MM (guaranteed) deal to remain with the Clippers this summer, but the team is unwilling to go beyond one year. There’s still a chance Harden remains with the Clippers past the deadline, Azarly and Siegel add.
The Cavaliers are believed to have asked about the Clippers’ 2030 first-round pick, sources tell ClutchPoints.
The Timberwolves are among the teams with interest in Harden, but they didn’t have traction on a potential trade as of Monday night, per ClutchPoints. The Raptors and Pelicans also inquired about Harden, but the 17-year veteran has “no interest” in being traded to either team, according to Azarly and Siegel.
After Monday’s loss to Philadelphia, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was asked about the situation. While he declined to talk specifics, he made it clear how he feels about Harden, saying the star guard “means a lot” to the organization, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN (Twitter link).
So listen, James Harden is an amazing basketball player. And I don’t dislike him personally. That being said, I really hope he never wins an NBA championship. This schtick has gotten very very old.
I love how in Philly he was talking about how he loved Daryl Morey and their connection but it only took 1 and a half years for him to do a 180 and call him a liar
And it all had to do with $. Morey did technically “lie” and renege on a ‘handshake’ agreement that Morey would extend him in the offseason, but Harden finished that playoff series vs. Boston throwing passes to invisible people and there was talk amongst local media that Harden was “checked out” mentally in Game 7 they got smoked vs. Boston. Harden expected to get his extension and Morey wasn’t having it after the way the season ended.
I think a similar situation is playing out now, Frank is telling him there isn’t going to be an extension and Harden is throwing a fit demanding to be traded
You have to be insane to give this man a trade kicker lmfao 15% of 40 million.. e z $
Worth leaving your hometown for, and also to not retire as a clipper. Cleveland would be silly to try and pair Donovan Mitchell with James Harden. I just don’t see it meshing. At least Garland’s ego is in check, and he cuts backdoor instead of stand on the logo when he doesn’t have the ball.
LOL
Stunned! James Harden wants out!!!
He is actually incredibly consistent.
If the Clippers were actually stunned by this, they are as dumb as we already all thought they were.
They won’t get a better player than Garland for Harden.
Yeah, Harden has burned a few bridges along his way, hasn’t he. I don’t see the Cavs as the team to trade for him. This sounds like wishful thinking on the Clippers part.
CAVS are crazy to do this ……. they actually think they can contend with Harden?
Mitchell+resurgent Harden sounds like a deadly combo that could beat Detroit on top of Mobley and Allen helping on defense
Never, ever trust James Harden, my friend.
Death, taxes and James Harden disappearing post-season.
Cleveland ain’t winning anything.lol
Again, this doesn’t make sense for CLE. Harden doesn’t really fit there. It makes much more sense with the Raptors. Harden for Quickley makes a lot more sense.
He’ll change his mind on the Raptors when other options dry up. That’s the one that really fits.
Stunned by James Harden wanting out, well I have beachfront property in Nebraska that has your name aaaaaall over it!
Be better if the clippers traded Harden for Randle then Kawhi and someone for Garland and Allen
That someone could be Collins, Bogi, Zu or a combination of DJJ and BLopez
Clippers get younger and form a big 3 of Garland Randle Allen and maybe you’ve still not Zu and can send him away for another piece or pick. The rest of the roster is all 1 or 2 year deals so it wouldn’t take long for you to have some money for FA too
Oh well Clippers just stay being mid
James and Jimmy… each year… one of them has to make noise…
Why? Why would the Cavs voluntarily destroy their culture by bringing in this perpetual cancer and permanent loser? It seems NBA executives will never learn and we will forever chase the dream of super teams. Any team he’s on is a short of the first or second round exit..
That’s “assured” not “a short of”
They won’t. Kenny avoided coaching Harden in Bklyn. I don’t expect him to do it now.
what a surprise.. harden’s unhappy again .. can’t wait to see which GM wreaks his team when harden “no shows” during the playoffs.. he’s running out of teams to destroy.. bit hasn’t been a laker yet