It has been revealed that Harden himself initiated the idea of leaving! Due to contract renewal issues, he wants to be traded, which has left the Clippers very shocked.

On February 3rd Beijing time, according to reporter Siegel, the news of Harden seeking to leave the Clippers was proactively released by Harden and his team. The Clippers were quite stunned upon learning about Harden’s desire to depart. Currently, the entire league’s trade discussions are undoubtedly focused on the Cavaliers’ potential offer. However, many details of this trade remain to be finalized.

According to NBA reporter Iko,Other teams in the league speculate that Harden’s contract situation might be the core reason behind his trade request. Subsequently, Clippers reporter Azarly reported that the Clippers have always prioritized salary cap space for the summer of 2027 and are unwilling to sign players to contracts extending beyond the 2026-27 season. Sources say Harden will turn 37 in August and originally hoped to secure a fully guaranteed two-year contract worth $80 million after this season, but the Clippers have consistently refused to extend the contract term beyond 2027.

Earlier, league insiders revealed that a widely discussed trade framework involves sending Harden to the Cavaliers in exchange for Garland.

The Cavaliers currently hold a 30-21 record, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference. Positioned in the competitive upper half of the East, they are closely matched with teams like the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Toronto Raptors. The gap between them and the top of the East standings is only 7.5 games, but the race for home-court advantage in the playoffs and the play-in tournament spots is extremely tight.

This situation forces the team to place greater emphasis on balancing the roster around Mitchell. There is a growing consensus within the league that if the Cavaliers’ performance does not improve, substantial roster adjustments must be made—whether it involves reshaping the backcourt or addressing broader structural issues within the lineup.

Among league discussions, Garland’s long-term fit with the Cavaliers is a recurring topic. Multiple teams have formed the impression that Garland prefers to resume his role as the team’s primary point guard rather than continue playing a secondary, supporting role alongside another high-usage scorer.

The 26-year-old Garland has missed several games this season due to injuries—after undergoing toe surgery in the offseason, he missed the first seven games of the season; recently, he has been sidelined since January due to an ankle sprain. So far this season, he has played 26 games, averaging 30.5 minutes, 18.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 45.1% and a three-point percentage of 36.0%. Across the league, he remains regarded as one of the attractive and reliable point guard options available on the trade market.

For the Clippers, Harden is still the central engine of their offense, but his future depends on the team’s competitive situation in the Western Conference. The Clippers are fighting hard to stay on the playoff bubble, while the rankings in the West are gradually spreading out.

The 36-year-old Harden has taken on a heavy load this season, playing 44 games with an average of 35.4 minutes, contributing 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. His offensive efficiency and consistent availability have been crucial to the Clippers’ attack. However, league executives believe the Clippers have reached a crossroads and need to evaluate how to best balance short-term competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility.

Harden previously returned to the Clippers on a two-year contract,which grants him trade veto powerand also includes a player option worth $42.3 million for the 2026-27 season, thereforethe most advantageous outcome for him would be to join a team willing to re-sign him.

If the Clippers acquire Garland, they would gain a younger primary point guard whose contract remains under team control; meanwhile, if the Cavaliers receive Harden, it would represent a clear win-now gamble—the team’s offensive organization would be largely shouldered by Harden and Mitchell together.

From the Cavaliers’ perspective, the standings in the Eastern Conference force them to act quickly. The top four teams all have the capability to compete in the playoffs, and if the Cavaliers want to avoid another disappointing early exit, their maneuvering space is steadily shrinking.

Though the Clippers face a different situation, their sense of urgency is equally strong. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets have established leads in the Western Conference, while the Clippers’ ranking is closer to the play-in zone and far from the championship contenders. The future direction of the team’s roster has become a pressing issue.

Currently, it remains uncertain whether these trade talks will ultimately succeed. However, it is clear that as the deadline approaches, Garland’s name will continue to surface in the Cavaliers’ search for significant roster changes; meanwhile, Harden’s decision will become a pivotal turning point in determining the Clippers’ future path.