Add another star to the NBA trading block.
Reports emerged Monday, Feb. 2, indicating that Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, an 11-time All-Star and the 2017-18 Most Valuable Player, has become a potential trade candidate.
Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in his 17th season in the NBA. Yet, even though the Clippers have drastically improved their play recently, they entered this season with the oldest roster in NBA history, so an eventual youth movement makes sense.
There is one team, however, that has clearly emerged as a likely destination.
Here are potential landing spots in a trade for James Harden:
Cleveland Cavaliers
This is the destination that has the most momentum. Both Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports identified Cleveland as being in serious talks with the Clippers over Harden. The fit is actually pretty smooth.
The Cavaliers have been waiting for Darius Garland, who also plays point guard, to return to full health. Garland is 10 years younger, so the Cavaliers might be wanting Los Angeles to attach some form of draft capital — be it a first-round selection or a future pick swap — to finalize the deal.
The salaries are practically identical, which matters most for Cleveland as a second-apron team. And it makes sense for Los Angeles, which entered the season with the oldest roster in NBA history. The Cavs appear to be the clear frontrunner here.
Minnesota Timberwolves
This is a team that has been in the market for a point guard for some time. Harden would instantly provide experience and playmaking — not to mention a scoring threat — at the position.
The Timberwolves have made consecutive conference finals appearances, but have come up short each time. Minnesota almost certainly is looking to bolster its roster and give star guard Anthony Edwards a little more firepower. Depending on the price it would take to swing a deal, Harden would represent a solid, win-now move.
Houston Rockets
Ever since veteran point guard Fred Van Vleet went down before the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Rockets have experimented with various solutions at point guard. None has been a long-term fix.
Harden, who played in Houston for a little more than eight seasons, would instantly bring a steady, playmaking presence on a Rockets team that is built to contend right now for a championship.
Atlanta Hawks
They have plenty of draft capital and do have a void left by Trae Young, whom the Hawks traded last month to the Wizards. Yet, Atlanta may not be the most seamless fit, given that the Hawks still appear a ways from contention and given that general manager Onsi Saleh has been calculated in stashing draft capital. The Hawks most likely favor financial flexibility over a pricey veteran.
