BREAKING: The LA Clippers and star guard James Harden are urgently negotiating a potential trade ahead of the NBA trade deadline this Thursday, February 8, 2024. Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania that the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams showing serious interest in acquiring Harden.
Harden, 36, commands a hefty contract worth $39.2 million this season, with a player option for $42.3 million next year. Due to the structure of his contract, he holds veto power over any trade, adding a layer of complexity to negotiations.
The urgency of this situation has escalated as Harden missed the Clippers’ last two games, including Monday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, citing “personal reasons.” Despite his absence, Harden remains a critical offensive force in the league, averaging more points per game than he did in his last full season with the Houston Rockets.
The Clippers originally acquired Harden in a blockbuster trade with the 76ers in 2023, where he played a pivotal role in their playoff runs, albeit with disappointing first-round exits. His impressive durability has seen him play over 70 games in each of the last two seasons, and he is on track to maintain that streak this year.
As an 11-time All-Star and former MVP, Harden’s legacy is marked by extraordinary achievements, yet a championship ring remains elusive. The next few days will be crucial as the Clippers weigh their options and finalize their strategy before the trade deadline.
Fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring this developing story, with significant implications for both teams. Will Harden stay with the Clippers, or will he don a new jersey with the Cavaliers? Stay tuned as details unfold in this high-stakes NBA trade saga.
