Following Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden’s recent trade request, talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers on that front have shifted to other players who could be moved ahead of this week’s trade deadline. After the Cavs reportedly inquired about a first-round pick for Harden, the offer was reportedly denied.
It appears talks for Harden have stalled. In the meantime, the Cavs and Clippers have been in talks about a trade centered on players such as Clippers’ John Collins and Cavs forward De’Andre Hunter, according to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
“League sources tell The Stein Line — amid multiple reports about a potential Harden-for-Darius Garland swap with Cleveland — that discussions regarding such a trade have not yet reached an advanced stage,” Stein and Fischer reported.
“The most serious recent talks between the Clippers and Cavaliers, sources say, focused on players such as LA’s John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanović in potential deal structures for De’Andre Hunter, who was traded to Sacramento instead.”
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday.
James Harden’s request ahead of trade deadline
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Clippers veteran James Harden’s sudden trade request came as a surprise to the NBA world, especially after his team had turned its season around amid a 17-5 record over the last 22 games. Cavs fans reacted to the Harden rumors following the initial reports.
However, talks between the Cavs and the Clippers over Harden have stalled over a future first-round pick, according to ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly.
“Amid ongoing discussions, the Cavs have indicated that they would want additional draft compensation for Garland. League sources said Cleveland’s request of a future draft pick from the Clippers was denied,”Azarly reported. “It is believed the Cavs inquired about the Clippers’ 2030 first-round pick.
“James Harden and the Clippers have been in active trade talks for multiple weeks, sources said, with the Clippers working with Harden on potential trade destinations for the 36-year-old guard. The team hasn’t wanted to trade Harden, especially with the team’s recent stretch of success. This request from Harden came as a surprise to the organization, given how they have turned their season around.”
It’ll be interesting to see how things play out in the upcoming days as the Cavs will most likely make a move before Thursday’s trade deadline.