Rival execs expect Clippers to explore James Harden talks

There’s a growing belief around the league that the James Harden situation in Los Angeles could come to a head before the trade deadline.

After recently floating the idea that the Clippers might at least listen on Harden, Marc Stein of The Stein Line reports that a rival front office member now expects Harden to be made available in trade talks if the Clippers continue to stumble.

The logic is straightforward. The Clippers are off to a rough start, sitting near the bottom of the West, and rival executives are sensing the possibility of a shakeup rather than a slow grind toward the play-in.

Harden, 36, remains productive but is also one of the few movable names on the roster who could actually return value.

Any deal would come with complications. Harden signed using Bird Rights and holds a player option for next season that’s only partially guaranteed, which also gives him the ability to veto trades he doesn’t like. In other words, if Harden is moved, he’ll have a say in where he lands.

For now, nothing appears imminent. But around the league, there’s a feeling this is one worth monitoring closely as February approaches.