The Los Angeles Clippers are in trade talks surrounding guard James Harden ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline

The Los Angeles Clippers and guard James Harden are working on finding a trade ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline Feb. 5, Shams Charania of ESPN reported.

In 44 games with the Clippers this season, Harden is averaging 25.4 PPG — his highest since the 2019-20 season — with 4.8 RPG and 8.1 APG. The Clippers acquired Harden on Nov. 1, 2023, in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported the Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers have had “advanced discussions” around a Harden trade, where the Cavaliers would send guard Darius Garland to Los Angeles. In 26 games for the Cavaliers, Garland has averaged 18.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG and 6.9 APG.

Harden was away from the team during their Feb. 2 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, where they lost 128-112. Head Coach Tyronn Lue said the team was away due to personal reasons.

Harden is under contract for $39.2M and $42.3M ($13.3M GTY). The second season is a player option.

Because the contract is technically for one season, Harden has veto power on any trade.

He also has a 15% Trade Bonus that is currently valued at $2.36M. https://t.co/IrIjz3CUUT

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 3, 2026

After the 2023-24 season, Harden re-signed with the Clippers that offseason on a two-year, $70 million contract. In September 2024, Harden — who was born and raised in LA — said being home factored into why he resigned with the Clippers.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere else,” Harden said. “I want to leave a legacy, especially here. I got an opportunity to be at home.”

It’s not known what may have caused Harden to have a change of heart about playing elsewhere, but he does have a history of requesting trades. He previously requested a trade from the Houston Rockets in 2021, the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 and the 76ers in 2023, according to ESPN.

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The news of a Harden trade comes in the midst of a Clippers season turnaround, as after they started the season 6-21, they have since gone 17-5 in their next 22 games to bring their record up to 23-26.

After the Clippers lost to the 76ers, Harden’s teammate, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, said he was surprised to hear the news but understands.

“I have no comment,” Leonard said. “I respect his decision or whoever’s decision it is. That’s it. He’s still going to be my boy, and I trust the front office.”

Kawhi Leonard on the James Harden trade reports:

“It’s a surprise… Respect his decision. Or whoever’s decision it is. That’s still gonna be my boy. Trust the front office.” pic.twitter.com/472C09wTEn

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 3, 2026