Cavaliers were reportedly denied draft pick compensation request in trade talks for James Harden.
The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly denied the Cleveland Cavaliers' request for draft pick compensation in a proposed guard swap involving James Harden and Darius Garland.
According to Clippers reporter Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, the Cavaliers indicated they would want additional draft compensation for Garland, and their request for a future draft pick from the Clippers was denied. It is believed Cleveland inquired about the Clippers' 2030 first-round pick.
Reportedly, Harden and the Clippers have been engaged in active trade discussions for multiple weeks, with sources saying the organization has been working with the 36-year-old guard on potential trade destinations.
The Clippers have not wanted to trade Harden, especially amid the team's recent stretch of success. As a result, Harden's request reportedly came as a surprise to the organization, given how the team has turned its season around.
Credit AP/Scanpix nuotr.
Averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds this season while shooting nearly 42 percent across 44 games, Harden has played a major role in the Clippers' turnaround after a 6–21 start.
He missed the team's last two games due to personal reasons.
By signing a one-plus-one contract with the Clippers last summer, Harden gained an implied no-trade clause.
His 2026-27 season is a player option worth $42.3 million, with $13.32 million guaranteed.
Harden was acquired by the Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers early in the 2023-24 season and has helped Los Angeles reach the NBA Playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
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