This has been a disastrous last six months for the Los Angeles Clippers. In the offseason, the franchise found itself embroiled in an ugly scandal about how it originally brought Kawhi Leonard to LaLa Land. Then this season has done little to change the narrative as they own a sad 6-17 record to begin the final month of the year.
After bouncing team great Chris Paul this week, it should come as no surprise that there are new rumblings about more players that could be on the way out. This week, a new report from ESPN claims the Clippers could try and move James Harden and Kawhi Leonard this season to move up their free agency timeline to next summer.
If LA did decide to trade the future Hall of Famer still playing at an elite level, let’s look at six teams that could target the 11-time All-Star.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have been red-hot recently, and that is without top star Paolo Banchero. Their defense is great, and their offense is also pretty good. However, they are near the bottom of the league in three-pointers made, as well as middle of the road in offensive rating and assists.
They could use an elite ball handler like Harden and his three-point shooting. They also need a go-to late-game scorer, which the legend could also bring.
- James Harden stats: 26.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37% 3PT
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are one of the best teams in the East to start the season. With Tyler Herro back in the fold, they could keep the status quo and see how they fare in a weak Eastern Conference. Or they could be bold and bring in Harden’s offensive brilliance. While they are one of the league leaders in points per game, they are 12th in offensive rating because they lack an elite ball handler. They are also middle of the road in threes. Harden could greatly improve both of those stats for Miami.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have been a mess this season because of the ongoing drama between Ja Morant and their head coach. Their top star’s day in Memphis seems numbered. If they want to remain confident, pairing him with Jaren Jackson Jr. could be enough to get them to the playoffs this season. Plus, he only signed for one more season, and it is a player option.
For the Clippers, they move an aging star not in their long-term plans for one with superstar potential, albeit troubled. Morant in LA could be big money for the Clips.
- James Harden contract: Two years, $81.5 million
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls seem one big piece away from being able to make some noise in the East. They also have something the Clippers would love to get: Expiring contracts. With Harden only signed for one more season, a deal makes a lot of sense for both sides and could be a rare win-win trade for both NBA franchises.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz are again headed to another appearance in the NBA lottery. However, after cultivating trade chips for the last three years, a recent report claimed the organization wants to get back to the playoffs, and soon. A deal for Harden would certainly help achieve that goal this season. Especially with Lauri Markkenen and Keyonte George having All-Star-level starts to the year.
Indiana Pacers
Once Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his Achilles tendon in the NBA Finals, and Myles Turner left in free agency, it was always going to be a lost season for the Indiana Pacers. However, with the East being weaker than usual, it isn’t impossible for them to get into a play-in spot by trading for the Clippers star. The combo of James Harden and Pascal Siakam would be formidable. And it could be even better if he sticks around for another season when they get Haliburton back.
