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Summary:
- The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are still weighing options as the trade deadline approaches.
- Cleveland is among the teams showing serious interest in the veteran guard.
- Harden holds trade veto power and has been away from the team for personal reasons.
With the NBA trade deadline drawing near its end on Thursday, February 5, the LA Clippers and James Harden are still trying to figure out whether a deal makes sense for either side, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Apparently, the talks have not stopped, and a clear resolution is nowhere in sight.
Complicated Decision
One team keeping a close eye on the situation is Cleveland. Sources told Charania that the Cavaliers are among the clubs showing serious interest in Harden, who remains one of the league’s most recognizable stars even at 36.
Any potential move comes with complications. Harden has control over his future because he can veto a trade. While he signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract last offseason, only the current season is guaranteed. The second year is a player option, giving Harden significant leverage as the deadline nears.
Harden has also been away from the team in recent days. He did not play in Sunday’s win over Phoenix or Monday night’s home loss to Philadelphia due to personal reasons, the Clippers said.
Coach Lue: “Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?”
Before Monday’s game, head coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Harden was at his home in Phoenix.
After the Clippers fell 128-113 to the 76ers, Lue avoided addressing any trade specifics, but made it clear how the organization feels about Harden, saying Harden “means a lot” to the franchise: “Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?”
Harden’s impact this season has been real, even if the Clippers’ year started poorly. After opening the campaign with a brutal 6-21 record, the team has climbed back into the play in race, with Harden playing a major role in keeping them competitive. Not long ago, Harden told ESPN that he felt “blessed” to be playing in his hometown and believed the Clippers could “come all the way back” from their early struggles.
This is already Harden’s fifth stop in the league. He began his career in Oklahoma City, became a superstar in Houston, then moved through Brooklyn and Philadelphia before landing with the Clippers in 2023. The trade that brought him to LA was designed to create a contender alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
That vision changed last summer when George left for Philadelphia in free agency. He has since been suspended for 25 games following a violation of the NBA’s drug policy.
Despite the uncertainty, Harden continues to add to his legacy. Earlier this season, he passed Shaquille O’Neal to move into ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Whether he does so in a Clippers uniform beyond Thursday remains to be seen.
