The Los Angeles Clippers started the season on the wrong foot, and many believed things could get ugly very quickly. However, the Clippers have managed to weather the storm. Still, on Monday night, it came as a shock when reports surfaced that James Harden is likely to be moved.
“The LA Clippers and guard James Harden are working through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday's NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday night. The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams expressing serious interest in Harden, with the sides discussing a Harden for Darius Garland swap, sources told Charania,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote.
Harden is nearing the end of his contract with the Clippers, and much of the situation boils down to Los Angeles’ reluctance to offer him an extension.
“According to The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Harden wants a deal longer than the two-year, $82 million contract he signed with the Los Angeles Clippers this past offseason. A source with knowledge of the trade discussions told Stein and Fischer, "It's all about a contract extension." Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari wrote.
The Clippers have also been in discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are reportedly seeking additional draft capital if they move Darius Garland.
“Amid ongoing discussions, the Cavs have indicated that they would want additional draft compensation for Garland. League sources said Cleveland's request of a future draft pick from the Clippers was denied. It is believed the Cavs inquired about the Clippers' 2030 first-round pick,” Clutch Points’ Tomar Azarly wrote.
While the situation is surprising, moving on from Harden could make sense financially and potentially allow the Clippers to acquire a talented young guard in return. Harden is at the later stage of his career, making a long-term, high-dollar extension a risky investment.
With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the Clippers must decide their next move soon. If Los Angeles is unable to part ways with Harden, it could create an awkward situation within the organization moving forward.