Where is the bearded man headed? Reports say Harden is interested in joining the Hawks and Timberwolves, but neither team is expected to pursue a trade.

On February 3rd Beijing time, according to reporters Stein and Fischer, Harden is interested in joining the Hawks and Timberwolves, but neither team is expected to push forward with a trade.

Sources indicate that during various points this season,Harden has considered the Timberwolves and Hawks as favored potential landing spots, yet neither team is anticipated to proceed with trade negotiations..

As the trade deadline nears, the Timberwolves are concentrating all efforts on chasing Giannis. Regarding the Hawks, they only remain a feasible trade partner while Trae Young is on the roster; however, Young was traded to the Washington Wizards on January 10th, and the Clippers have never shown interest in a Harden-for-Young deal. Sources say that after sending Young to the Wizards, the Hawks have essentially given up on making major moves, including the widely reported early-season pursuit of Dallas Mavericks player Anthony Davis.

Additionally, Stein and Fischer report that sources reveal the Cavaliers and Hornets have begun preliminary talks on a trade framework involving Lonzo Ball, which could bring the Hornets a second-round draft pick and allow the Ball brothers to play together — with older brother Lonzo joining younger brother LaMelo. League insiders say that besides Charlotte, the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are also seeking to facilitate multi-team trades, potentially by taking on unwanted contracts from other teams in exchange for draft pick compensation.

Shams reports that Harden has expressed doubts about his future with the Clippers. This eight-time All-NBA star wishes to join a team with championship potential. Shams also confirms that the Cavaliers are among Harden’s primary suitors. Currently, the Cavaliers appear to be the leading destination for this 11-time All-Star player, though other teams are also involved in the competition for his services.

After today’s game, Tyronn Lue, Kawhi Leonard, and John Collins were all asked about Harden’s trade request—

Regarding the trade rumors about Harden, Lue said, “I can’t comment on that, sorry. But he means a lot to our team; you’ve all seen over the past three years how important he really is. Of course, we want to keep the roster stable and prepare for the playoffs.” When asked if he hopes Harden stays after the trade deadline, Lue responded, “Who wouldn’t want Harden?” When further questioned whether the trade rumors have affected the players’ mindset, Lue replied, “You’d have to ask them directly.”

Kawhi said, “It’s definitely a bit surprising, but I won’t comment on it. I respect his decision, or rather the decisions of all parties involved, that’s all. He will always be my brother, and I trust the team management.”

Collins said, “Honestly, I was shocked when I first heard the news. Clearly, I don’t have much information right now, so I’ll just wait and see how things develop. If he leaves, it would be another surprise for me, and it would be a blow to our team, to the performance we’ve shown recently, and to the season’s comeback. I’m not an expert on these matters, but the team will handle it their way.”