The NBA trade deadline is only days away, but a surprise name has hit the trade market.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Los Angeles Clippers and star point guard James Harden are working together to find a possible landing spot for the veteran. Los Angeles is one of the hottest teams in the NBA, but still entered Monday at just 23-25 on the season and barely in the play-in tournament.
The Los Angeles Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Both sides are aligned in conversations together and with interested teams. pic.twitter.com/XzvCz0fc4w
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Harden’s presence on the trade market would make him the second-biggest name available, only behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Harden has played for five teams in his career and been traded four times since he entered the league.
Here’s the latest on Harden’s trade status.
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Why are the Clippers trying to trade James Harden?
The Clippers currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, which would make them part of the play-in tournament. However, Los Angeles has a lot of ground to cover in order to make the top six in the west, so the team may view trading Harden as the better move for the future.
For Harden, a new team may give him a chance to play for his first title, as the Clippers slow start to the year put them well behind most of the league.
James Harden trade rumors
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reports that the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed a deal surrounding Harden and Darius Garland. Harden would join a Cavaliers team eyeing an NBA Finals run, while the Clippers would get back a younger point guard in Garland as part of their core.
According to Charania, the Clippers are working with Harden to find a new potential home, so the point guard will have a say in deciding where to go.
MORE: Tracking NBA trade rumors before the deadline
James Harden contract
Harden is currently playing in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million contract, but the second year of that deal is a player option. Harden is making over $39 million this year, and has the chance to opt into over $42 million next season.
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James Harden season stats
Here’s how Harden has performed this year so far:
- Games: 44
- MPG: 35.4
- PPG: 25.4
- RPG: 4.8
- APG: 8.1
- SPG: 1.3
- FG%: 41.9%
- 3P%: 34.7%
- FT%: 90.1%
Harden’s numbers are up from the past few seasons, and his points per game would be his best since he led the league in scoring in 2018-19.
