James Harden Likely Leaving Clippers in Stunning Trade
It seems to be the age of the superstar trade, and James Harden seems as likely as anyone to be the next major move. In perhaps a shocking turn of events, the Los Angeles Clippers appear ready to call it a day on his tenure. Reports suggest this is a mutual decision, and both sides are working together on finding a new home.
James Harden likely to be traded soon
There is a chance James Harden is the biggest star traded this season. Surely, there's not going to be a Luka Doncic surprise trade like last year. Anthony Davis may or may not be traded, but that's not imminent.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is available, but many around the NBA believe that won't transpire until the summer. Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to find something before the trade deadline in a few days.
The Clippers have really turned things around after a shockingly ugly 6-21 start. They do not own their first-round pick this year. The Oklahoma City Thunder do, and for a while, it seemed certain to be a top-five pick. Now, they're on the cusp of the Play-In. If nothing else, that pick now sits at 12th, barring the lottery.
Still, while it's not being reported, it is easy to speculate why this is happening. The Clippers are going nowhere this year. Even if they claw back into the Play-In range or even a playoff spot, they have to know how competitive the Western Conference is.
The West has the NBA's best teams, and if they do sneak in, they'd likely be matched up with the Thunder. That's not ideal, and with very few assets to work with, the Clippers probably think it's best if they start selling to try to restock for the future.
This likely does not mean they're going to undergo a fire sale, though. Don't expect Kawhi Leonard to become available, although some other key players, like Ivica Zubac, could certainly be available. For now, though, the only imminent departure seems to be Harden.
Who could want Harden?
Head coach Tyronne Lue was asked about the impending trade, and he admitted that James Harden means a lot to the team and the organization. He also wondered aloud who wouldn't want to add Harden to their team.
Of course, as we learned with Trae Young, it's not always that simple. His age, role, skillset, and contract will all play a role. He's got a player option for $42.3 million next year that he will undoubtedly exercise, and that's costly for a player at his age (36) who is not the same player he once was.
Despite all that, Harden remains quite talented. He's still a top-tier NBA player, even if he's not the MVP-level contributor he once was. Teams will absolutely want him, especially those in a title window. Rebuilding teams or those in the middle probably ought not take the risk on him.
According to early reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the early frontrunners. They have discussed a swap involving Darius Garland. That would be ideal for the Clippers, who do not have much young talent to look forward to in the next generation.
It may or may not be as simple as that, as draft capital will have to be involved, in all likelihood. Other teams may play a role as well. It is highly unlikely that the Cavaliers are the only team interested, which may drive up the price.
Either way, this saga will almost assuredly end Thursday. The trade deadline is coming, and it looks like Harden is absolutely going to be playing elsewhere after it passes.
