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James Harden: LA Clippers NBA trade rumors ‘a surprise’, says Leonard

James Harden could leave the Clippers by the NBA trade deadline

Written by Ben Miller
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James Harden: LA Clippers NBA trade rumors ‘a surprise’, says Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has backed teammate James Harden over a potential move before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday.

Eleven-time All-Star Harden missed a second consecutive game as the Clippers lost 128-113 at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, with ESPN reporting that discussions have taken place with the Cleveland Cavaliers over a trade for Darius Garland.

“I was playing – so yeah, that was a surprise,” Leonard said when he was asked about the speculation. “I have no comment on it.

“I respect his decision or whoever’s decision it is. He’s still going to be my boy and I trust the front office.”

James Harden trade: Darius Garland to Clippers?

Should the Cavaliers move for Harden, a trade for two-time All-Star point guard Garland looks a feasible way of finalizing a deal to suit both teams.

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell’s future will be particularly uncertain if Kenny Atkinson’s team fail to go deep in the playoffs, which would accelerate their need for more options in the position.

The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, with the Clippers ninth in the Western Conference after a run of 17 wins from 22 games.

Tyronn Lue: LA Clippers coach on NBA trade rumors

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue looked despondent after the defeat and said he was “not sure” if his players had been affected by the rumors around Harden.

“You’d have to ask them,” Lue suggested. “I don’t know – why don’t you ask them? I’m not a player. I can’t comment on rumors.

“He means a lot to our team and we’ve seen that in the last three years. Who wouldn’t have James Harden?”

James Harden contract

Harland can block any trade and has a $42 million player option next season, although only $13 million of that deal is guaranteed.

The 36-year-old joined the Clippers from the 76ers, marking the third straight time Harden has been traded at his request during his career.

Having started at the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden played for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then the Brooklyn Nets until 2022.

Darius Garland stats

Garland has averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season but has not played since January 14.

The 26-year-old is said to be dealing with injuries to both big toes, with his right foot currently keeping him out.

Cleveland signed Garland as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 draft. His reported salary this season of $39.4 million is said to be slightly more than Harden’s.

NBA trade deadline deals

The Cavaliers have already been involved in a three-team deal before the trade deadline, which is 15:00 ET (12:00 PT / 20:00 GMT) on Thursday, February 5.

Guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder have signed from the Sacramento Kings, while forward Emanuel Miller has joined from the Chicago Bulls.

Forward or guard De’Andre Hunter moved to Sacramento from Cleveland. The Kings traded Dario Saric and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Chicago.

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