Report: Clippers, James Harden exploring trade options; Cavaliers interested

INGLEWOOD — The Clippers are engaged in advanced talks that would send 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Darius Garland, according to a Sports Illustrated report on Monday night. An ESPN report said the team and Harden are exploring multiple options to try to find a deal before Thursday’s noon PT NBA trade deadline.

Harden, 36, carried the load for the Clippers for parts of this season and last season when Kawhi Leonard was out because of injuries. The former league MVP is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 35.4 minutes per game this season.

Harden has missed the past two games, including Monday night’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to what the team called “personal reasons.”

The eight-time All-NBA selection is under contract for $39.2 million and has a player option for $42.3 million next season. Because his contract is technically just for one season, Harden has veto power on any trade, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Harden scored a then-franchise record 55 points in a Nov. 22 game against the Charlotte Hornets, a mark that was tied by Kawhi Leonard just over a month later. Harden also moved past Carmelo Anthony and Shaquille O’Neal this season for ninth place on the league’s career scoring list (28,805) and sits in 12th place on the career assists list (8,674).

Harden came to the Clippers on Nov. 1, 2023, in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. If he is traded, this would be Harden’s sixth team. He has helped lead the Clippers to two playoff appearances, though they lost in the first round each time.

Garland, 26, has battled injuries this season, missing Cleveland’s first seven games as he recovered from offseason toe surgery. The two-time All-Star has been out since Jan. 16 with an ankle sprain. He is averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists this season.