The Beard has suddenly crashed the trade block party ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly “working” in tandem with James Harden to “find a deal” before Thursday’s trade deadline. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Harden and the Clippers’ brass are on the same page as they discuss potential trades with interested teams.
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. pic.twitter.com/XzvCz0fc4w
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
The former MVP has missed the Clippers’ last two games due to personal reasons. Shams’ latest report appears to explain what those reasons are: Harden wants to be traded.
The news comes as a shock to many who have followed the Clippers’ rise over the past month and a half. After a 6-21 start to the season, LAC has been the hottest team in the league, winning 17 of its last 21 games to get close to a .500 record.
Harden has been right at the center of it all. The Clippers point guard has averaged 25.4 points and 8.1 assists through 41 games, continuing to play at an All-Star level in his age-36 season. Several teams would likely be interested in Harden’s services depending on the Clippers’ asking price.
Harden does have a $42.3 million player option for next season and may be seeking a long-term deal that Steve Ballmer does not intend to sign. Any trade suitors may need to agree with Harden on an extension before a deal gets made.
