Eleven-time NBA All-Star James Harden could argue that he is having a season worthy of a 12th appearance, but in any case, he has proven that he can hold off Father Time, with his highest scoring average since 2019-20. Now, after a surprising trade request from the Los Angeles Clippers, the former NBA MVP could be a great fit in a team looking for a veteran who can put the offense on his back in big moments.
Prior to this season, Harden signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract with Los Angeles (but the second year is a player option). The reason Harden reportedly wants to be moved is that the Clippers weren’t willing to offer him a contract extension or longer deal. Currently, he is set to make $42.31 million in 2026-27 if he exercises his player option. Here are four landing spots for Harden after his trade demand.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly the preferred destination for Harden, and it would be a solid move in the short-term to take their offense to the next level, and potentially make this group the class of the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland attempts the fourth-most threes per game in the NBA, and is in the top-10 in free-throw attempts per game. Based on these metrics, Harden would fit right in since he is elite at getting to the line and a fearless, talented shooter.
Harden would slide in nicely next to Donovan Mitchell and give Cleveland a boost, while the Clippers would reportedly get younger by landing Darius Garland.
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is another preferred destination for Harden, and with the trade of Trae Young, he actually is a logical fit for the Hawks.
They have a strong young core, but the offense looks disjointed at times and could use a veteran leader to bring it all together. They have a legitimate star in Jalen Johnson and a really strong supporting cast that plays hard and can knock down shots.
Atlanta leads the NBA in assists per game (30.7), so bringing in an elite playmaker into a scene where sharing the ball is the expectation has legitimate upside.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Not that I think the Clippers would be in a rush to get into talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder after the last time they struck a deal, but a reunion is a fun thought here, as Harden could have a legitimate chance to finally get his first ring if pursued by the Thunder.
The Oklahoma City offense has been inconsistent, and while they are still playing at a high level, you can see they are playing below their potential on some nights. A steady shooter and facilitator like Harden could be the answer to those woes.
OKC obviously has the assets to get a deal done, including owning the Clippers’ 2026 unprotected first-rounder in a pick swap (which LA would certainly love to get back).
New York Knicks
Bringing in Harden would allow Jalen Brunson to make scoring his top priority and playmaking a lesser part of his game.
Harden is an elite playmaker who can create for others and help the Knicks from falling into these long offensive droughts that could do them in when the playoffs come around.
Harden is certainly a luxury acquisition for a team that seems poised for another appearance in the playoffs, but many fans in New York would love to see the team take a swing and try to lift the team to even higher heights.
With that said, it remains to be seen if New York has the assets to compete with trade offers from the other teams on this list. They would probably have to get creative and involve a third team if they want to pursue Harden.
