Inside the Clippers, James Harden’s surprise trade talks days before the deadline

ClutchPoints NBA Insider Brett Siegel also contributed to this report.

INGLEWOOD — The LA Clippers are here advanced trade negotiations with Cleveland Cavaliers for James Harden for the guard Darius Garlandleague sources told ClutchPoints. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix was the first to report the rumored trade of Harden for Garland.

In ongoing discussions, the Cavs have indicated they would like additional compensation for Garland. League sources said Cleveland’s request for the Clippers’ draft pick was denied. The Cavs are believed to have inquired about the Clippers’ 2030 first-round pick.

James Harden and the Clippers have been in active trade talks for several weeks, sources said, and the Clippers have been working with Harden on potential trade destinations for the 36-year-old guard. The team didn’t want to trade Harden, especially with the team’s recent success. Harden’s request came as a surprise to the organization, given how they turned their season around.

Over their last 21 games, the Clippers are 17-4, including Monday night’s 128-113 home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden did not play in this game, nor did he play Sunday night on the road against the Phoenix Suns, due to what the team labeled “personal reasons.”

The point guard remained with the team and played in nearly all of LA’s games during these discussions, but there was an understanding on both sides that there would be an attempt to facilitate a deal by February 5th. NBA trade deadline.

While trade talks between the Clippers and Cavs have reached a new advanced stage, a deal has not yet been reached, according to a source, and there is a chance Harden could stay with the team beyond the deadline. There is a realistic scenario where both sides will have to renegotiate trade talks in the summer if a deal is not finalized before Thursday.

Harden, currently under a two-year, $81.5 million contract signed last summer with $13.3 million partially guaranteed through the 2026-27 season.

The Clippers have long prioritized their cap space in the summer of 2027 and have been reluctant to give players contracts beyond the 2026-27 season. Harden, who turns 37 in August, had hoped to secure a two-year, fully guaranteed $80 million deal after this season, sources said, but the Clippers remained steadfast in their unwillingness to move beyond 2027.

James Harden has veto power over any trade because his contract is currently for one season, and he also has 15 percent of the trade.

In addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources tell ClutchPoints that the Minnesota Timberwolves have also held trade talks with the Clippers regarding James Harden. The Wolves have been looking for a veteran fullback to play alongside Anthony Edwards, but as of Monday night had been unable to reach a deal.

The Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans have also inquired about a potential trade for James Harden, but sources say Harden has no interest in joining either franchise via trade.

The Clippers are now 23-25 ​​on the season after Monday night, winning 17 of their last 21 games since starting the season 6-21.