James Harden Makes First Post After Trade News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 1:44 PM ET

James Harden’s status with the Los Angeles Clippers has become one of the leading NBA narratives heading into Thursday’s trade deadline. The 36-year-old guard, now in his 17th NBA season, has been a core offensive force for Los Angeles, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds this season and helping the team climb into contention after a rough start.

Harden has two games for what the Clippers described as “personal reasons ,” with coach Tyronn Lue confirming the guard was in Phoenix and unavailable for recent matchups. In the midst of that absence, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Harden and the Clippers are working together to find a trade by the deadline, a development that has sparked widespread discussion.

LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Harden’s trade request marks the latest chapter in a career filled with movement; he has now requested trades from four different organizations dating back to his time with the Houston Rockets and most recently with the Clippers.

Amid the swirling trade news, Harden’s first major social media post since the reports surfaced was a promotional video for the social platform MyPrize, where he is featured as a “Premier Creator.”

In the clip, Harden appeared to be in good spirits, smiling and interacting with the app’s branding and games.

Let’s get it! @myprizeus #Uno pic.twitter.com/Ag2ohk1XyS
— James Harden (@JHarden13) February 3, 2026

Harden’s contract situation gives him significant control over his destination. The 11-time All-Star and former MVP is under a two-year, $81.5 million deal that includes a player option for the 2026-27 season

Because the current season’s contract structure qualifies as a one-year agreement for trade purposes, he retains veto power on any trade. That implicit no-trade protection means any potential deal must be acceptable to Harden as well as the Clippers and prospective partner.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: