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The LA Clippers and James Harden are working through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday night.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams expressing serious interest in Harden, sources said.
Harden, 36, is under contract for $39.2 million and has a player option for $42.3 million next season. Because his contract is technically only for one season, Harden has veto power on any trade, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Harden also has a 15% trade bonus that is currently valued at $2.36 million.
Harden has missed the Clippers’ last two games, including Monday night’s game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, due to what the team has called “personal reasons.”
In his 17th season, Harden remains one of the league’s top offensive engines between his ability to score and distribute. He’s averaging more points per game since his last full season in Houston and has been one of the main catalysts for the Clippers’ recent run of success.
The Clippers acquired Harden in a trade with the 76ers in 2023, and he helped lead the team to two playoff appearances, although L.A. lost in the first round both times.
Harden has been remarkably durable in recent seasons, appearing in more than 70 games in each of the last two years and on track to hit that threshold again this season. An 11-time All-Star (after just missing the cut this season) and former MVP winner, Harden’s sterling career resume is only missing a championship ring.