James Harden linked to one team amid bombshell trade request

A James Harden trade may end up progressing quickly after his trade request shocker.

The stunning news broke on Monday night that the former MVP guard Harden is working with the L.A. Clippers on a possible trade ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Such a move would end Harden’s tenure with the Clippers after two-and-a-half seasons.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated further added that there is one particular team right now in the race to acquire Harden — the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mannix reports that the Clippers have had “advanced discussions” on a deal that would send Harden to Cleveland in exchange for guard Darius Garland.

The news of Harden’s trade request emerged right in the middle of the Clippers’ game on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden did not play on Monday and also sat out of a win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, both due to what the Clippers called “personal” reasons.

The Clippers started the season at a horrific 6-21, but they have since won 17 of their last 21 games to rally to 23-25, good for ninth in the Western Conference. Harden, meanwhile, is an L.A. native who had seemingly been enjoying his time with the Clippers, making the suddenness of the request all the more shocking.

As for the Cavaliers, they are fifth in the Eastern Conference at 30-21 this season, which marks a sharp decline from last year’s 64-win season. Cleveland, a non-destination team, would be taking a risk on Harden, who can opt out of his contract in the summer. But after the Cavaliers also swung a surprise trade with the Sacramento Kings over the weekend, they could now be going for broke by pulling off a blockbuster move for the 36-year-old Harden.