As the NBA trade deadline looms large on Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers have found themselves in deep discussions regarding the future of veteran point guard James Harden, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as a primary suitor. Sources close to the situation report that Cleveland has intensified its interest in acquiring the 36-year-old former MVP, who remains a dynamic force on the court despite his age.
Harden’s Mysterious Absence and Off-Court Buzz
Harden has been absent from the Clippers’ last two games due to “personal reasons.” However, speculation has swirled due to his unexpected appearance at his alma mater, Arizona State University, on January 31 for their game against the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats. Curiously, the following day, with the Clippers scheduled to face the Phoenix Suns — just 10 miles from ASU’s campus — Harden was officially ruled out.
When asked for clarification, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue offered little detail:
“No,” Lue told reporters on Monday when asked if he had any insight into Harden’s absence. “I just know he was home in Phoenix and just personal reasons, so I’m not sure.”
This has led some league executives to ponder whether Harden’s situation is more contractual than personal.
Trade Mechanics: Harden’s Contract and Control
James Harden, now in his 17th NBA season, holds significant power in any potential trade due to a technical clause in the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Players who return to their team on a one-year deal or a two-year deal with a player option are automatically granted a no-trade clause, meaning Harden must approve any deal.
Currently earning $39 million for the 2025-26 season, Harden’s contract includes a $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, which is only partially guaranteed. Given his recent performances — averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in over 35 minutes per game — his value remains strong.
According to advanced analytics from Cleaning the Glass, Harden's on-court impact is profound. The Clippers' offensive rating is nearly 12 points higher per 100 possessions when Harden is playing, placing him in the 98th percentile among all point guards.
Cleveland’s Strategic Pursuit and Backcourt Concerns
The Cavaliers have been active in backcourt trade talks since December, particularly during the Clippers’ troubling 6-21 start to the season. That stretch of underperformance stirred internal frustrations among several veteran players in L.A., prompting exploratory trade discussions. Harden’s name surfaced alongside other bigs like John Collins and Brook Lopez.
The Cavaliers, who have surged to fifth place in the Eastern Conference after winning eight of their last 10 games, are pushing to reinforce their backcourt, especially with injuries to key personnel. Starting point guard Darius Garland has played just 26 games this season and is currently sidelined with a Grade 1 right great toe sprain.
In Garland’s absence, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has been forced to carry a heavier playmaking load — spending 40% of his minutes as the team’s lead ballhandler. This adjustment has come at a cost: Cleveland’s offensive efficiency has dipped, while their turnover rate has increased, according to Cleaning the Glass metrics.
To address this imbalance, Cleveland recently moved De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis. However, those additions haven’t filled the void left by Garland’s absence — hence their renewed focus on Harden.
Darius Garland and the Clippers: Mutual Interest
Interestingly, the Clippers have also maintained long-term interest in Darius Garland, viewing him as a potential successor or high-upside playmaker. Garland, also earning $39 million for the 2025-26 season, is under contract through 2028, with over $86 million owed between 2027 and 2028. A potential swap involving both guards could serve mutual interests — on-court fit and financial relief.
The Cavaliers are currently around $34 million over the luxury tax threshold and approximately $15 million over the second apron, according to Spotrac. Shedding Garland’s future salary could significantly ease their long-term cap constraints.
Clippers’ Limited Trade Assets and the Stepien Rule
L.A.’s ability to negotiate a blockbuster trade is complicated by the Stepien Rule, which prevents teams from trading first-round picks in consecutive years. Due to this, the Clippers can only offer:
A 2026 first-round pick (controlled by the Oklahoma City Thunder via the 2019 Paul George trade)
A 2028 first-round pick (owned by the Philadelphia 76ers from the Harden trade in 2023)
A 2030 first-round pick
A 2031 pick swap
A 2032 first-round pick
These limited assets, along with the uncertain nature of Harden’s approval, make the trade landscape even murkier for the Clippers.
What’s Next Before the Deadline?
As the deadline nears, the NBA community is watching closely to see whether the Cavaliers pull the trigger on a deal that could catapult them into true Eastern Conference contention — or whether the Clippers double down on the current roster that has seen a resurgence since their early-season slump.
The inclusion of players like Donovan Mitchell, Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis, and Darius Garland in trade discussions reflects how seriously the Cavaliers are treating this deadline. Meanwhile, the Clippers are equally focused on maximizing the Harden window and maintaining financial flexibility.
Despite the questions around his absence and the trade talks, Harden remains one of the NBA’s most impactful players. Any move involving him — especially between two playoff-bound franchises — could significantly reshape the league's postseason landscape.