James Harden and Kawhi Leonard
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Kawhi Leonard said James Harden trade rumors won't impact their friendship
Superstars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden have built a brotherhood since joining forces for their hometown Los Angeles Clippers.
So, when rumors began to mount that Harden could soon be shipped out of LA, Leonard was shocked, but stated that it wouldn’t deter the bond built with Harden.
“It’s a surprise… Respect his decision. Or whoever’s decision it is. That’s still gonna be my boy. Trust the front office.”
Joey Linn
Kawhi Leonard on the James Harden trade reports:
“It’s a surprise… Respect his decision. Or whoever’s decision it is. That’s still gonna be my boy. Trust the front office.”
Despite being snubbed from this year’s All-Star roster, the veteran scorers have both played at an elite level this season.
The Hall of Fame-worthy tandem may be broken up soon, though, as trade talks involving Harden have intensified over the last few days.
Sports Illustrated insider Chris Mannix reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers are engaged in trade talks for the 11-time All-Star Harden. The two sides could strike a deal before Thursday’s NBA trade 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.
When asked about the possibility of dealing Harden, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue instead spoke to Harden’s immense on-court value.
“I can’t comment on rumors,” Lue said. “He means a lot. Yeah, he means a lot to our team, and we’ve seen it the last three years. So, he means a lot.”
James Harden Expected to Be Moved Before the Trade Deadline
James Harden
GettyClippers and Cavs have engaged in trade talks involving James Harden
While most of the league has been wrapped up in the Giannis trade saga, another superstar could be on the move.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Harden is working with the Clippers to find a new NBA home before the trade deadline.
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 currently boast a 23-26 record.
Four Teams Locked in Bidding War for Harden
James Harden
GettyJames Harden is not interested in joining the Pelicans
According to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, Harden has drawn trade interest from several teams, not just the Cavaliers.
“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.”
Should the Clippers and Cavaliers finalize a deal before the deadline, Harden would be joining his fifth franchise in six years.