Clippers Fans Stunned as James Harden Rumored to Be Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland

Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden discuss trade possibilities ahead of trade deadline.

Clippers Fans Stunned as James Harden Rumored to Be Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland

James Harden (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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With the trade deadline fast approaching, several names have been coming up over the last few weeks, but the biggest surprise after recent reports is James Harden. The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off a 128-113 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on the second night of a back-to-back at the Intuit Dome on Monday night. The Clippers came out on top against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

However, James Harden missed both games due to personal reasons. Following the loss, the Clippers’ record dropped to 23-26, leaving them in ninth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings.

It was a disastrous start to the 2025-26 campaign for the Clippers, both on and off the court. The unceremonious exit of Chris Paul who had returned to the franchise for his second stint was not a good look for the front office. At one point, the club were at 14th place with a 6-21 record and the players seemed to have no togetherness in the locker-room.

But something switched for the organization since. With Kawhi Leonard staying healthy and Harden continuing to show why he is still one of the elite guards in the league, the Clippers began to find their form and have gone 17-5 since December 20.

After locking in Harden on a two-year, $81.5 million contract during the offseason, Harden is having one of the best scoring seasons of his career and his best since the 2019-20 campaign. He is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in 44 appearances this season. While the Clippers are not championship contenders, their form over the last six weeks has been promising.

On Monday night, NBA Insider Shams Charania dropped a bomb regarding Harden’s future. He reported that:

The Los Angeles Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Both sides are aligned in conversations together and with interested teams.

It has now been revealed that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Clippers were in talks for a trade centered on Darius Garland and Harden. It is a fascinating development, as both the Clippers and Harden were in a good phase.

The Cavs have been on a good run over the last two weeks and are in contention for a direct playoff qualification in a wide-open Eastern Conference. And it looks like they believe a player like Harden would help them contend in the East.

Clippers fans are stunned by James Harden’s trade rumors

Trading a player like Harden would be a significant blow for the Clippers as they try to make it to the postseason this year. Clippers fans were stunned upon hearing the latest developments and did not waste any time sharing their opinions on social media.

Just three days to go ahead of the trade deadline, and no one would have expected Harden’s name to pop up in trade talks, joining the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant.

Kawhi Leonard on James Harden trade talks

As Harden missed the last two games due to personal reasons, it is possible that his absence is tied to his reported desire to leave the Clippers. If Harden leaves by the trade deadline, the Clippers may decide to tank for the rest of the season.

Following the trade reports, the fans were not the only ones to be caught by surprise. Harden’s teammate, Kawhi Leonard, was surprised as well. However, the Clippers forward offered support to the 36-year-old.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden's combination is hurting Clippers
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard (Image via Los Angeles Clippers/X)

I respect his decision or whoever’s decision it is. That’s it. That’s still gonna be my boy. I trust the front office.

Now that Harden is on his way out, it will not be a surprise if the Clippers look to trade Leonard as they look to hit the reset button. A lot of tough decisions are ahead for the Clippers management heading forward.

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