Clippers and James Harden in discussions regarding potential trade, sources indicate
The LA Clippers and James Harden are in discussions to determine if a deal can be reached before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday evening.
Harden, 36, is signed for $39.2 million and possesses a player option worth $42.3 million for the following season. As his contract is effectively for just one year, Harden holds veto power over any potential trade, as noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Additionally, he has a 15% trade bonus currently estimated at $2.36 million.
Harden has been absent from the Clippers’ last two games, including Monday’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, due to what the team has described as “personal reasons.”
In his 17th season, Harden continues to be one of the league’s premier offensive players, excelling in both scoring and playmaking. He is averaging more points per game than he did in his last full season with Houston and has been a key contributor to the Clippers’ recent success.
The Clippers obtained Harden in a trade with the 76ers in 2023, and he played a significant role in leading the team to two playoff appearances, although L.A. was eliminated in the first round on both occasions.
Harden has shown impressive durability in recent years, participating in over 70 games in each of the last two seasons and is on pace to achieve that milestone again this year. An 11-time All-Star (having narrowly missed selection this season) and a former MVP, Harden’s illustrious career is notably lacking a championship title.
