Kawhi Shrugs As James Harden Linked To Cavs

Merlin sees the Clippers quietly exploring a James Harden swap with the Cavaliers as teams "work through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday's NBA trade deadline," with Darius Garland reported as a possible return. After the 128-113 loss to Philadelphia, Kawhi Leonard said a trade "wouldn't be affected" their relationship and he "trusts the front office." Los Angeles has steadied at 23-26, but Harden's $42.3 million 2026-27 player option and the club's reluctance to commit long term are pushing talks. Merlin smells strategy more than panic. Harden's history of forcing exits and the Clippers' climb from 6-21 to Play-In contention make swapping him for a younger guard with years on his deal a sensible move if LA wants roster control and cost certainty. If a deal happens, questions about Leonard's 2027 choices will surface quickly.