The rival Clippers’ executive predicts a James Harden trade will be on the cards
On Saturday night, The Los Angeles Clippers fell to the floor at home to cope rival Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers ended up winning the game in comfortable fashion over the shorthanded Lakers, ending their ugly losing streak in the process.
Still, that win alone won’t do much to quell the constant chatter surrounding the Clippers of late, with many speculating that the team may decide to explore the trade market now that they’re already behind the eighth ball in a crowded Western Conference playoff picture.
Recently, NBA insider Marc Stein took to his Substack to speak the latest buzz on James Harden.
“One veteran executive read my recent message about James Harden’s potential availability between now and Feb. 5 and said his front office, to name one, does indeed anticipate the last American-born NBA MVP (from the 2017-18 season) to end up in a trade at some point this winter,” Stein reported.
However, Stein noted that “…Harden has veto power over any trade even though he has no has a full no-trade clause in his contract.”
Overall, the Clippers are currently 7-21, and well below the playoff line, let alone the playoffs, in the vaunted Western Conference.
This being the case, it certainly wouldn’t be a shock to see the team explore moving one or more of its key pieces.
As for Harden, Beard has seemed to enjoy playing in his hometown of Los Angeles over the past few seasons, but as he continues to age, it’s not hard to imagine him wanting to spend his twilight years in a more competitive situation.
Either way, the Clippers now have a few days off before taking the floor Tuesday night at home against the Houston Rockets.
2025-12-21 20:14:00
