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Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard backed teammate James Harden on a potential trade ahead of the NBA trade deadline Thursday.
Eleven-time All Star Harden missed a second straight game as the Clippers lost 128-113 at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, with ESPN reporting that discussions have taken place with the Cleveland Cavaliers regarding a trade for Darius Garland.
“I was playing – so yeah, it was a surprise,” Leonard said when asked about the speculation. “I have no comment to make on this matter.
“I respect his decision or anyone’s decision. He will always be my boy and I trust the front office.”
OMG Kawhi Leonard!!!!! 🤯🖐️ pic.twitter.com/7ybWgldQDX
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 3, 2026
James Harden trade: Darius Garland to the Clippers?
If the Cavaliers move for Harden, a trade for two-time All-Star point guard Garland seems a feasible way to finalize a deal that suits both teams.
The future of Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell will be particularly uncertain if Kenny Atkinson’s team fails to go deep in the playoffs, which would accelerate their need for more options at the position.
The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, and the Clippers ninth in the Western Conference after a streak of 17 wins in 22 games.
Tyronn Lue: LA Clippers Coach on NBA Trade Rumors
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue looked disheartened after the loss and said he was “not sure” if his players were affected by the rumors surrounding Harden.
“You should ask them,” Lue suggested. “I don’t know, why don’t you ask them? I’m not a player. I can’t comment on rumors.
“He means a lot to our team and we’ve seen that over the last three years. Who wouldn’t have James Harden?”
Contract with James Harden
Harland can block any trade and has a $42 million player option next season, although only $13 million of that deal is guaranteed.
The 36-year-old joined the Clippers from the Philadelphia Clippers, marking the third consecutive time Harden has been traded at his request during his career.
Having started with the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden played for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then for the Brooklyn Nets until 2022.
DARIUS GARLAND WITH BUZZER. @dariusgarland22 | #Let them know pic.twitter.com/IuporkuAZN
– Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 13, 2026
Darius Garland Statistics
Garland averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season, but hasn’t played since Jan. 14.
The 26-year-old is said to be suffering from injuries to both big toes, with his right foot currently keeping him out.
Cleveland signed Garland as the fifth pick in the first round of the 2019 draft. His reported salary this season of $39.4 million would be slightly higher than Harden’s.
NBA trade deadline agreements
The Cavaliers have already been involved in a three-team deal ahead of the trade deadline, which is 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. GMT) on Thursday, February 5.
Guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder have since signed Kings of Sacramentowhile striker Emanuel Miller joined the Chicago Bulls.
Forward/guard De’Andre Hunter has moved from Cleveland to Sacramento. The kings exchanged Dario Saric and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Chicago.
