LA Clippers star James Harden was ruled out before Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Clippers cited personal reasons behind his absence. It seemed normal until halftime, when insider Chris Mannix released a report about Harden potentially securing a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland.
Mannix wrote that the teams were in advanced talks to make the deal. Here’s what he said:
“The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have had advanced discussions on a deal that would send James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland, sources tell Sports Illustrated.
“The deal would represent an exchange of former All-Star guards. Harden, 36, has been a workhorse for the Clippers this season, averaging 25.4 points in 35.4 minutes per game. Garland, 26, has battled injuries this season. He missed Cleveland’s first seven games recovering from offseason toe surgery and has been sidelined since Jan. 16 with an ankle sprain. On the season, Garland is averaging 18 points per game.”
There were no indications of Harden asking for a trade or the Clippers looking to shop him, especially after the team’s 17-4 run since December.
However, a deal like this could unfold as LA has one eye on the future. Despite a solid run, the team remains far from contending for a championship. Garnand, 26, being 10 years younger than Harden, could be a long-term addition at point guard, around whom the Clippers can add newer pieces.
LA Clippers and James Harden working on finding him a new team before Thursday’s deadline
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the LA Clippers and James Harden are working on finding him a new team before Thursday’s deadline. Charania’s report emerged shortly after Chris Mannix claimed the Clippers were in advanced talks with the Cavaliers over a deal for Darius Garland.
Charania wrote:
“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.”
The Cavaliers are at the forefront of the trade talks involving the 11-time All-Star. Harden could have plenty of suitable landing spots with several contenders eyeing help at the point guard position. While it hasn’t been reported yet, the Timberwolves, Heat and Hawks could also be among interested teams.
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