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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers on court against the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at Intuit Dome on January 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers have suddenly appeared in trade rumors. After a horrendous start to the season, the Clippers have gone 17-5 in their last 22 games. That run has taken them from the bottom of the league to ninth in the Western Conference standings.
James Harden is putting up his highest scoring numbers in seven seasons. He has also been very durable this season, as he has played in 44 games. He has missed the last two games due to personal reasons, and now the rest of the league knows why those games were missed.
It has been reported that the Clippers are now looking to move Harden. They have even had discussions with the Cavaliers about a possible swap with Darius Garland. The reason for Harden wanting out in Los Angeles has now been revealed.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers guard James Harden dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
James Harden Wants Traded From Clippers due to no Contract Extension
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Harden wants out of LA due to the fact that the Clippers didn’t give him a lengthier extension in the offseason. Harden signed a two-year, $82 million extension this summer. He wanted a longer one.
Why this is becoming an issue now is unclear. Harden is signed through his 37-year-old season. Los Angeles clearly did not want to be locked into paying him a ton of money after that. Harden has been very durable during his time in LA, as he has never played fewer than 72 games.
Finding a trade partner for Harden is going to be tough. His age, along with the money that he is owed this year and next season, makes it harder for him to find a new home. That’s a big reason why the discussions with Cleveland happened, as the Cavs are desperate to win big right now.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers guard James Harden dribbles the ball. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Clippers Might not Have Time to get a James Harden Trade Done
The trade deadline is in a couple of days, and that might not be enough time for the Clippers to get a deal finished. Other than the Cavs, there might not be another team that he is willing to head to that will give him a contract extension that he will be happy with.
If Golden State strikes out with Giannis Antetokounmpo, they could try to bring Harden in instead. Miami has never shied away from trading for star players. It’s unclear where the talks with Cleveland ended up, but Harden’s options will be limited.
There have still been very few trades in the NBA this season as teams figure out how to navigate the new luxury tax aprons. The Clippers would likely be seeking some draft compensation in return for Harden, as they would likely be entering a rebuild without Harden on the roster.
If the Clippers do trade Harden, they have no incentive to tank the rest of this season, as they owe their first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.