James Harden trade talks heat up as Clippers, Cavaliers explore deal

James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers are discussing whether a deal can be reached ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline according to sources who spoke with ESPN.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams showing serious interest in acquiring Harden, sources told Charania, the outlet reported.

Harden, 36, holds significant control over any potential move because he is effectively under contract for only this season.

The second year of his two-year, $81.5million deal is a player option and not fully guaranteed, giving him veto power over a trade.

Harden did not play in the Clippers games Sunday in Phoenix or 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 helping the Clippers rebound after a 6-21 start to the season.

He recently told ESPN that he felt “blessed” to be playing in his hometown of Los Angeles and said he believed the team could “come 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.