The Clippers are somehow surprised that a disgruntled individual is about to leave.
James Harden told Los Angeles he wants out and the revelation left the franchise “stunned.” according to ClutchPoints.
The Cavaliers and Clippers have had “advanced” discussions about a deal that would trade Harden for Darius Garland, according to Sports Illustrated, although no deal has been agreed upon as of Tuesday morning.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue did not comment Monday when asked about potential Harden trades, but did praise him.
“He means a lot to our team, we’ve seen that over the last three years, so he means a lot,” Lue said.
When asked if he wanted to keep him, he added, “Who wouldn’t want James Harden?”
Harden has been bounced around between teams and a potential trade could put him on his fifth team (Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers) since the start of the 2020-21 season.
The Clippers reportedly did not expect to make a trade as the team has rebounded from a disastrous 6-21 start by winning 17 of 22 to move to 23-26 and a berth in the Play-In Tournament.
The breaking point for Harden is reportedly that he would like a two-year, fully guaranteed, $80 million contract after this season, and the Clippers are unwilling to do that, according to ClutchPoints.
Harden signed a two-year deal worth $81.5 million ahead of the 2025 season, but only $13.3 million is guaranteed.
The Clippers are reportedly valuing cap space for the 2027 season and allocating a large portion of that cap space to a player who would be 38 years old in his season is not appropriate.
That has led to Harden wanting to start over, and according to ClutchPoints, trade talks have been going on for several weeks.
Harden left Sunday’s win over the Suns and Monday’s loss to the 76ers for “personal reasons,” and the NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
“Just be professional,” Lue said of how his team will handle trade rumors. “Just come to work every day ready to play.”
A Garland trade would net Harden and his 25.4 points per game to complement Donovan Mitchell, while the Clippers landed a 26-year-old averaging 18.0 points per game while dealing with injuries.
Harden has also eyed Atlanta and Minnesota as landing spots. according to Jake Fischerbut he reported that neither is expected to ultimately win the 2018 MVP.
ClutchPoints reported that Harden is not interested in being dealt to the Raptors or Pelicans, both of whom have expressed interest.
He has veto power on any contract plus a 15 percent trade kicker, which could complicate the Clippers’ efforts.
Los Angeles hosts Cleveland on Wednesday in both teams’ final game before the trade deadline, with the cameras sure to be on Harden and Garland.
Harden is in his third season with Los Angeles after being traded from the 76ers early in the 2023-24 season.
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