James Harden was acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. The Clippers finished with 51 regular season wins that season and then followed that up with 50 regular season wins the following season. Unfortunately, the Clippers lost in the first round of the playoffs both seasons. The start to this season was much different, as a 6-21 start was certainly unexpected after lofty expectations. But there were no rumblings of dissension and the Clippers have been one of the hottest teams since, winning 17 of 21 games to get back into the playoff race, as Kawhi Leonard has been vintage.
On Monday, though, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Clippers and Harden are working to see if a trade can be consummated before the deadline.
Sure, Harden is 36 years old, but he’s still a potent offensive force. What teams are the best landing spots for James Harden?
Top 3 James Harden trade fits
Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet was lost prior to the season due to injury and the point guard situation has been in flux all season for Houston. There was some optimism that Reed Sheppard could fill the void, but he’s been unable to step into the role as Ime Udoka has not trusted him, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Harden is not a good defender either, but he has three inches and 35 pounds on Sheppard. And Harden’s offense is elite, both on and off the ball. The main weakness for Houston is outside shooting, as the Rockets are 29th in three-point attempts. Harden is sixth in three-point attempts at 8.8 per game and he’s averaging 8.1 assists while scoring 25.4 points per contest.
Harden’s salary is $39 million this season and he has a player option next season at $42 million. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun would likely be untouchable and so would Amen Thompson, I’d imagine. Fred VanVleet’s salary is $25 million this season. Reed Sheppard’s is $10.6 million and Dorian Finney-Smith’s is $12.7 million.
Harden was a member of the Rockets from 2012 to 2020 and has played with Kevin Durant in four seasons – three with the Oklahoma City Thunder and one with the Brooklyn Nets.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Mike Conley has done yeoman’s work for Minnesota since being acquired in 2022, but he’s now 38 years old and Father Time is undefeated. In 2024, Minnesota utilized the eighth overall pick in the draft for the heir apparent at point guard on Rob Dillingham. Well, Dillingham is averaging 9.3 minutes per contest and Bones Hyland is ahead of him on the depth chart. Minnesota is in win-now mode and is currently fifth in the Western Conference. In addition, the defensive infrastructure is in place to negate some of the defensive deficiencies of Harden. Harden would provide Minnesota with a potent triumvirate of Harden, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, providing the offense with at least two weapons on the court at all times. In addition, the bench unit would get much stronger with Donte DiVincenzo leading the unit alongside Naz Reid.
Now for the money aspect. Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels are likely untouchable. If Harden is added, then one of Randle or Reid would likely have to go. Randle’s contract is for $30 million while Reid is at $21 million.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Si’s Chris Mannix reported that the Clippers and Cavaliers are in discussions to swap point guards.
Darius Garland has only played 26 games this season due to a toe injury. He’s also a smaller guard at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, so without his quickness and ability to change directions, his utility is greatly diminished. Garland is owed $39 million this season, $42 million next season and then $44 million in 2027. The salaries fit.
With Garland banged up and Evan Mobley not taking that next leap offensively, the Cavaliers have struggled somewhat. Sure, the offensive rating is eighth and the team is 30-21, but Cleveland was humming with the top offense in the league last season by a wide margin.
Harden would provide some offensive juice for Cleveland while lessening the load for Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland also has defensive pieces to mitigate Harden’s weakness on that end.
