James Harden Trade Drama: Clippers, Cavs Favored

James Harden has asked the Clippers for another trade and Los Angeles is actively shopping him, with the Cleveland Cavaliers viewed as the early favorite even though talks have "not yet reached an advanced stage." Multiple proposals have circulated — from Minnesota and Phoenix swaps to bigger offers involving Milwaukee, Detroit, or Memphis — all timed to the 3 p.m. trade deadline. Any move would reshape contender timelines, cap space, and a raft of draft assets. Merlin sees Harden as a late-career creator who still moves the needle, but fit will determine value. A Cavs pairing with Darius Garland gives instant offense, Minnesota or Detroit chase playmaking for Anthony Edwards or Cade Cunningham, and Milwaukee could pivot if Giannis chatter continues. Harden must sign off and teams will fret chemistry and contracts, so expect a flurry of offers before the bell.