Report: Clippers, Harden discussing potential trade

The Los Angeles Clippers and guard James Harden are engaged in discussions about a potential trade, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Both the Clippers and Harden are aligned as the club talks to teams interested in acquiring the 11-time All-Star before the Thursday deadline, Charania adds.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams in discussions with the Clippers, according to Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko.

Harden has been absent for Los Angeles' last two games due to personal reasons. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue didn't elaborate on Harden's status prior to hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.

"No," Lue said when asked if he had any information about Harden's absence, according to Iko. "I just know he was home in Phoenix and just personal reasons, so I'm not sure."

The 36-year-old Harden signed a two-year, $81.5-million deal with the Clippers in June after declining his player option. He has a $42.3-million player option for the 2026-27 season and has the ability to veto any trade. His contract also includes a 15% trade bonus that's currently valued at $2.36 million, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds on 41.9% shooting in 44 games this season. His scoring average is the highest it's been since the 2019-20 campaign when he finished third in MVP voting behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Clippers' outlook has changed drastically since a 6-21 start to the season. Reports from December suggested the organization would avoid a fire sale prior to the deadline and would instead look to make upgrades.

Veteran contributors Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Nicolas Batum are all on expiring deals and could be used in a trade to match salaries.