The Los Angeles Clippers have secured James Harden with a two-year contract that is not fully guaranteed. However, given Harden’s past, it’s expected he may seek a new team soon.
Harden, now 36, is looking for a trade before the February 5 deadline. Despite the Clippers winning 17 out of their last 22 games, his desire for a better contract might lead him away from Los Angeles.
James Harden seeks a trade for a better contract
Harden aims for a fully guaranteed two-year extension worth about $80 million. He is currently averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists this season. This goal conflicts with the Clippers’ plans to maximize their salary-cap space for the summer of 2027, after which only center Ivica Zubac is committed through 2028.
The Clippers structured a complex deal for Harden, allowing him to opt for a $42.3 million player option by June 29. However, they can release him before July 11 and only owe him $13.3 million. With his impressive performance this season, Harden believes he can find a team willing to give him the contract he desires.
This pattern is typical for Harden. He was traded to the Clippers after the Philadelphia 76ers declined to offer him a maximum extension before the 2023-24 season, despite him signing extensions with them in the previous two summers.
Before his time with the Clippers, Harden forced a trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the 76ers, where he secured a new deal. A year earlier, he pushed for a trade from the Houston Rockets to the Nets, employing various tactics, including skipping training camp to attend parties and refusing to play.
The Clippers are responding to Harden’s trade request, aware that he has previously been willing to undermine his performance to achieve his goals.
Cleveland Cavaliers might be a potential match for James Harden
Rumors suggest that the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers are in “advanced discussions” regarding a trade that would send Harden to Cleveland in exchange for guard Darius Garland. The 26-year-old Garland is a two-time All-Star but has had difficulties with injuries since the last season.