James Harden
Getty
Clippers and Cavs have engaged in trade talks involving James Harden
Los Angeles native James Harden may soon be departing his hometown team for a championship contender.
Writing for Sports Illustrated, insider Chris Mannix reports that the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have engaged in trade discussions involving the future Hall of Famer Harden. Talks between the two teams are said to be intensifying, placing Harden at the center of one of the most significant storylines of the deadline.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have had advanced discussions on a deal that would send James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland,” Mannix wrote.
The deal would represent an exchange of former All-Star guards.
Harden, 36, has rewound the clock for the Clippers this season, averaging 25.4 points in 35.4 minutes per game. Even as he approaches his 40s, Harden has proven that he is still among the most elite playmakers in the league.
Garland, 26, has battled injuries this season. He missed Cleveland’s first seven games recovering from offseason toe surgery and has been sidelined since Jan. 16 with an ankle sprain. So far this season, the Cavaliers guard is averaging 18 points per game.
James Harden Trade Talks Are Gaining Momentum
James Harden
GettyJames Harden is drawing interest from four teams
The Cavaliers’ interest in James Harden is believed to date back to December, while the Clippers have remained open to reshaping their roster.
Shams Charania
Just into @SportsCenter — Clippers and James Harden working on finding a trade by Thursday’s deadline, with the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the teams expressing serious interest:
“This is somewhat of a stunner,” ESPN insider Shams Charania said on Sportscenter. “The Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working through whether they can find a trade for Harden out of Los Angeles by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. My understanding is that both sides have been aligned in these conversations.
“Both sides are discussing if there is a mutually beneficial option.”
Charania noted that Harden’s desire to win a championship has fueled his desire to leave the Clippers, who are currently the ninth seed out West.
Harden Drawing Interest From Multiple Teams
James Harden
GettyJames Harden is not interested in joining the Pelicans
According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, the Clippers are locked in a four-team bidding war for Harden’s services.
“In addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell ClutchPoints that the Minnesota Timberwolves have also had trade discussions with the Clippers around James Harden,” Siegel wrote. “The Wolves have been in the market for a veteran guard to play alongside Anthony Edwards, but haven’t been able to gain traction on a deal as of Monday night.
“The Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans have also inquired about potentially trading for Harden, but sources say Harden has no interest in joining either franchise via trade.”
Given Harden’s desire to add an NBA championship to his Hall of Fame-worthy resume, his disinterest in joining the Pelicans is not surprising.
While the Raptors could afford him a championship opportunity, the Cavaliers appear to be a more natural fit for the southpaw scorer.
Should the Clippers and Cavaliers finalize a deal before the deadline, Harden would be joining his fifth franchise in six years.
Additionally, Harden could form one of the most explosive backcourt duos in the league alongside Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland.
By the time the smoke clears from the NBA trade deadline, expect Harden to be donning a new uniform.