According to a late-night report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles Clippers All-Star James Harden and the team are trying to find a deal before Thursday’s trade deadline.
Harden missed Sunday’s win against the Phoenix Suns and the loss against the Philadelphia 76ers, citing personal reasons, and the team said he was at home.
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In the midst of his absence, Charania broke the news that Harden wants to be traded, with the Cleveland Cavaliers right in the center of trade talks.
“The LA Clippers and guard James Harden are working to determine if the sides can reach an agreement before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday night,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the teams expressing strong interest in Harden, sources told Charania.”
January 30, 2026; Denver, Colorado, United States; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Clippers have been on a hot streak midseason after a poor start, once again looking like a playoff contender. A Harden trade could stop the momentum, but also give the team new life with a fresh core.
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Why is James Harden requesting a trade?
harden is He is reportedly uncomfortable with the status of his contract.
He is in the final year of his two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers, and talks about a new deal have not moved forward as the franchise wants to maintain flexibility in terms of long-term cap space.
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