Much of the trade talk this season has centered on the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga. But it appears another big name could be on the trading block: the Los Angeles Clippers’ James Harden.
News of the Clippers supposedly shopping Harden around surfaced on Tuesday morning, with reports indicating that he could be headed to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for young point guard Darius Garland. Other reports suggest the Minnesota Timberwolves could be in the mix as well.
Notably, the 36-year-old Harden has veto power on any trade, as he is technically under contract only for this season at $39.2 million. He also has a player option for $42.3 million next season.
James Harden Trade Talks Could Torpedo Clippers’ Season
Talk of The Beard getting traded comes right in the midst of a sensational stretch for the Clippers, who have won 17 of their last 22 games after falling to 6-21 back in December. James Harden, of course, has been one of the catalysts of this turnaround, putting up 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting a career-best 90.1% from the charity stripe.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the former league MVP has missed the Clippers’ last two games—a win over the Phoenix Suns on Monday and a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday.
While exploratory as of this writing, the Harden trade talks could be an unwelcome distraction for the Clippers, who have been playing some great basketball as of late. Potentially complicating matters is the fact that Harden is one of the team’s best players, along with fellow veteran Kawhi Leonard. And even if The Beard isn’t traded, it’s likely there will be some unease between him and management, as Harden is reportedly angling for a lucrative contract extension that the front office appears to be reluctant to give.
Whatever the case may be, the James Harden trade rumors could undermine the Clippers not only this season, but also moving forward.
