The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are actively working toward a potential trade ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Discussions are ongoing as both sides evaluate whether a deal can be finalized before the deadline.
Charania reported Monday on X that the Clippers and the 11-time All-Star are “aligned in conversations together and with interested teams,” with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as one of the franchises expressing serious interest. The situation remains fluid as multiple teams monitor Harden’s availability.
Speaking on SportsCenter, Charania described the development as unexpected given Harden’s prominent role in Los Angeles this season. “This is somewhat a stunner,” Charania said. “The LA Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working through whether they can find a trade for Harden out of LA by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.”
The guard’s contract structure has played a key role in opening trade discussions. Harden is in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million deal that includes a player option for next season with a partial guarantee. That flexibility has allowed both sides to assess short-term and long-term paths.
“So now both sides are discussing: is there a mutually beneficial option,” Charania said on SportsCenter. “He’s got a team that he wants to go compete for a championship. This is the Clippers team right now in the play-in tournament race.”
Los Angeles enters the week ninth in the Western Conference at 23-26, placing the club firmly in the play-in picture rather than true title contention. While Kawhi Leonard continues to perform at an All-NBA level, the roster has struggled with consistency on both ends of the floor.
Harden has been productive in his first season with the franchise, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while logging heavy minutes as the primary playmaker. Despite those numbers, the organization appears open to reshaping its core with an eye toward the future.
“And the Clippers are saying, can we find a player, potentially younger players, that fits them better long term?” Charania said. “One of the teams that has jumped out as among the most interested teams for Harden right now, yeah, Cleveland Cavaliers.”
Cleveland sits fifth in the Eastern Conference at 30-21 and has championship aspirations built around Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland. Adding an experienced scorer and facilitator could address late-game offensive needs for a roster focused on playoff advancement.
Harden holds significant leverage in the process due to a no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential destination. “And James Harden has the power in all this,” Charania said. “He has a no-trade clause.”
With the deadline approaching, the next 48 hours will determine whether the Clippers pivot toward long-term assets or retain their veteran guard for a playoff push.
