James Harden's strong play has kept him in control of his future as the trade deadline approaches. With the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as a serious option, Harden is weighing long-term stability and a real championship chance.
James Harden strong season with the Los Angeles Clippers has once again put his future in the spotlight.
Los Angeles Clippers / Schedule
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Cleveland Cavaliers have become a serious team to watch in the Harden sweepstakes.
"The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as a serious suitor with interest in him, and this was all made possible because Harden has a mutual option for next season, a $13 million partial guarantee, and that gave both sides the ability to sit down over the last few days and see where is his long-term future in LA," Charania said per NBA Courtside. "He wants to be somewhere where he's gonna be for multiple years after this year."
"That was not promised for him in LA, and he wants to compete for a championship, which is something we've heard a lot with James Harden when he went to Brooklyn, when he went to Philly, and then he went again to the Clippers. So he's looking at the Cavaliers as potentially a better opportunity to make it to the finals out east. One biggest key here with James Harden, he has a no-trade clause in all this, so he's gonna have a lot of dictation over his future at the deadline."
On the court, Harden has delivered elite-level production. The veteran guard is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting nearly 42 percent from the field across 44 games.
His scoring and playmaking were key factors in the Clippers turnaround after a difficult 6-21 start to the season.
Despite the improved results, long-term clarity has not been guaranteed in Los Angeles. Harden is looking for stability and a real chance to compete for a championship. Those priorities have followed him throughout recent stops in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and now with the Clippers.
Contract details play a major role in the situation. Harden's 2026-27 season is a player option worth $42.3 million, with $13.32 million guaranteed. That structure gives flexibility to both sides.
Just as important, Harden holds a no-trade clause, giving him significant control over where he could land if talks move forward.
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