Winning doesn't cure all in the NBA after all. The Los Angeles Clippers might've been off to a tough start this season, but the Clippers have since bounced back and have been one of the hottest teams in the league since late December.
Back in the playoff hunt, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have done an excellent job getting the Clippers back on track. However, the former doesn't seem to want to see everything through.
As the Clippers hosted the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, reports surfaced about Harden's rumored trade request. It was shockingly revealed that the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers held talks regarding a possible Harden deal. Several other teams were later added to the mix.
Not long after the Clippers came up short against the Sixers, Kawhi Leonard broke his silence on the situation.
"Of course, that's a surprise, I was playing," Leonard told reporters after the game. "I have no comment on it. I respect his decision, or whoever's decision it is. That's it. He's still going to be my boy, and I trust the front office."
What's Next for James Harden and the Clippers?
Harden joined the Clippers via trade during the 2023-2024 NBA season. He wrapped up a short tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers by demanding a trade during the 2023 offseason. He was dealt to the Clippers in late October.
The superstar guard is currently in the midst of his third season with the Clippers. Last year, Harden re-entered the All-Star picture, producing 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game.
This season, Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 44 outings.
The current state of Harden's trade saga suggests that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a likely landing spot for the former MVP. The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to the 11-time All-Star, but those discussions don't seem as strong.
There is also a scenario where Harden returns to the Clippers untraded and is forced to finish out the year with them. The public reaction from key figures within the Clippers' organization suggests that Harden is still wanted. Tyronn Lue wouldn't comment on the rumors, but the head coach's "who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?” quote proves he remains fond of the star guard.
The Clippers have one more game left before the deadline. Time is running thin, but there's still plenty of it to get a deal done. The situation is awkward out in LA-which isn't anything new for Harden-but his team is likely looking forward to everything getting resolved, as they want to be able to focus on continuing their comeback season, rather than worrying about the daily personnel.
The trade deadline takes place on Thursday afternoon.
Newsweek