Just like every season, fans are eagerly waiting for the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday, February 5. And while some teams have already started making moves, most eyes remain on big players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.
Historically, there’s always a few blockbuster trades waiting to happen before the deadline closes.
NBA Trade Rumors Hint at League Superstar Shifting Teams Before February Deadline
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden are currently working together to find the 11-time NBA All-Star a new team.
“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,” Charania wrote on Twitter (now X).
Given the current league and team standings, Harden’s trade could tip the scales and send the Rockets to the 2026 playoffs.
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. pic.twitter.com/XzvCz0fc4w
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Having said that, Harden is currently signed under a two-year, $81,500,000 contract with the Lakers. He’ll earn a base salary of $39,182,693. Considering Harden has only one year left on his contract, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that he can veto any trade and that the Clippers need to make one that favors the 36-year-old star.
Currently in his 17th NBA campaign, Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists while shooting 41.9% from the field. He missed two previous games due to reported personal reasons.
While a trade might be inevitable, the Clippers’ recent energy surge has been thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Kawhi Leonard and Harden. The latter has contributed to the team’s various playoff runs, steadily working towards an eventual shot at the championship.
What additionally tips the scales in Harden’s favor is his consistency. As opposed to Leonard, Harden has played over 140 games over the last two campaigns. He’ll most likely end the 2025-26 season with 70-plus games played.
Is James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers a Possibility?
According to ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers are currently interested in signing Harden. With Darius Garland having a similar $39 million contract with Cleveland, a swap between the two players might be easier to make.
Overall, this trade might benefit the Cavaliers more than the Clippers.
Garland, averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists this season, missed his first seven games with the team due to an offseason toe surgery. Unfortunately, he’s been sidelined since January 16 due to an ankle sprain.
Of course, Harden’s career goals remain vastly different. An NBA All-Star with an NBA MVP award (2018) and multiple All-NBA First Team honors, the only thing remaining on his bucket list is an NBA championship.
