Earlier this season, when the Los Angeles Clippers looked like an absolute mess, rumblings emerged that the organization might consider moving future Hall of Famer James Harden. However, in December, LA played much better, and were one of the best teams in the NBA during January when they posted an 11-4 record.
Yet, despite the improved play and getting back in the playoff chase, the LA Clippers know they won’t compete for a title this spring, and according to ESPN Shams Charania, the organization is shopping Harden ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
With the 11-time All-Star officially on the trade block, let’s look at five likely landing spots, including a bold pivot by the New York Knicks.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The news about the LA Clippers shopping James Harden also came with reports that they were in serious discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a deal that would swap the star guard for Darius Garland. A trade makes sense since their money matches up, Garland has been linked to trade rumors for months, and it offers both teams the chance to change things up by adding an impact player far differnt than the one they sent out.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the great surprises in the NBA this season, by far exceeding expectations after trading Kevin Durant in the summer. However, to better compete in a stacked Western Conference, they can use another gifted play-making scorer to help lighten the load for top star Devin Booker. Harden would be a big help in the second half for the Suns. For LA, the chance to get a 23-year-old former No. 2 overall pick with star potential like Jalen Green would definitely hold an appeal.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were linked to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade for months. However, with the Milwaukee Bucks superstar now available, it looks like they don’t have the trade chips to get a deal done. While a recent rumor suggested they like the core group they have, there have still been recent rumblings that they would like to move Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges and their contracts.
Furthermore, they allegedly want a veteran ball-handler to go along with top star Jalen Brunson. To shake things up, a pivot to the NBA great should not be ruled out. Especially if they feel he can be a great fit in coach Mike Brown’s system.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have had a mediocre season in 2025-26, despite some All-Star-level talent on their roster. While they have several good scorers, they could badly use another high-level playmaker to better set up the scorers they have. The fact that Harden is still putting the ball in the basket at an elite level could help elevate Miami to being a top-four team in the East during the second half.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Despite having limited trade assets, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked to various big trades over the last month, including for Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant. Harden is a very different player from those two fellow stars. However, the belief is that they also would like another ball-handler who can be an impact scorer. Harden can certainly be that and offer a very tough combo for rivals to deal with alongside Anthony Edwards in the playoffs.
