A blockbuster NBA trade idea sending James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Minnesota Timberwolves has been created.
NBA writer Dan Favale of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Clippers, Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets:
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jalen Green, Bones Hyland
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: James Harden, Haywood Highsmith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Mike Conley, Leonard Miller, 2026 second-round pick (second-most favorable of Dallas, Oklahoma City and Philadelphia, via Phoenix), Memphis’ 2026 second-round pick (protected Nos. 43 to 60, via L.A. Clippers), Cleveland’s 2027 second-round pick (via Minnesota)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Julius Randle
The Clippers have been a walking disaster this season. They are 5-16 despite having Harden and Kawhi Leonard, two of the best players in the NBA.
There haven’t been any rumors stating that Los Angeles is looking to blow up its roster, but Favale thinks it should happen.
This trade idea pairs Harden with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels. The Timberwolves, who have made the conference finals two years in a row, are 12-8.
“Minnesota is stepping out on a limb in hopes that Harden provides more relief for Edwards than Randle,” Favale wrote. “The Wolves are getting older but upgrading their playmaking and increasing wiggle room beneath the second apron by around $1.6 million.”
Harden is making $39.2 million this season. His player option for next season is worth $42.3 million.
The future Hall of Famer is putting up great numbers this season. Harden is averaging 26.9 points and 8.4 assists per game while shooting 43.5% from the field, 36.9% from beyond the arc and 90.6% from the free-throw line.
The Clippers don’t control their own first-round pick this year, which disincentivizes the notion of worsening the roster now. However, if the team continues to lose, it’s possible Harden could request a trade.
After all, the All-Star guard requested a trade from the Houston Rockets, Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.