Things are not looking good for the Los Angeles Clippers, whether it be on the court or off, and now, star guard James Harden has been the team’s latest player subject to trade rumors.
Though at 36 years old, Harden remains one of the most potent offensive players in the NBA, averaging 26.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in his 17th season. But instead of ending his career on the Clippers, teams around the league could trade for the two-time MVP in hopes of bolstering their title hopes for this season.
Specifically, the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been on the brink of the Finals the past two years, have the assets to trade for an All-Star like Harden. Writing for Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus outlined a blockbuster deal that would send the guard to Minnesota to pair him with Anthony Edwards.
Adding a high-level playmaker, shooter, and dynamic scorer in Harden, even at age 36, significantly changes Minnesota’s offensive attack,” he wrote.
Most recently, Harden just passed Carmelo Anthony to move up to tenth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Though past his prime, Harden has been one of the best offensive options of this generation, and could help the Timberwolves finally make it over the hump with their already proven star in Edwards.
Full James Harden Trade To The Timberwolves
The idea of Minnesota trading for Harden isn’t about his scoring, but rather his playmaking, as they currently lack a starting-level point guard that can lead them through multiple playoff rounds.
So, here’s what a full Harden trade to the Timberwolves would look like, according to Pincus.
Timberwolves get: James Harden (from Clippers), Chris Paul (from Clippers), and Jalen Wilson (from Brooklyn Nets)
Clippers get: Naz Reid (from Timberwolves), Mike Conley (from Timberwolves), Rob Dillingham (from Timberwolves), Joe Ingles (from Timberwolves), Tyrese Martin (from Nets), $6.9 million trade exception (James Harden), $8.8 million trade exception (Brook Lopez), $2.7 million trade exception (Kobe Brown), and $2.3 million trade exception (Chris Paul)
Nets get: Brook Lopez (from Clippers), Kobe Brown (from Clippers), 2027 Cleveland Cavaliers second-rounder (via Timberwolves), $6 million (from Clippers), and $1.96 million (from Timberwolves)
For the Timberwolves, they are no doubt giving up a lot for the aging Harden. However, it’s fair to say that they’d be fine with losing all those players, besides Reid, if it means finally getting over the hump in the postseason.
“While the cost for Harden is Reid, a well-loved player in the Minnesota community (search for Naz Reid tattoos), the question is less Harden or Reid, and more about starting point guard or reserve big man,” Pincus added. “Beyond Reid, the Timberwolves give up on Dillingham, who may never get the chance to develop in a win-now situation properly.
A deal like this would give Edwards another star in the backcourt, allowing him to take on a bigger scoring role, and Harden a point-guard-centric role to fix this season’s biggest issue for Minnesota.
Why The Clippers Make This Deal
Recent reports indicate the Clippers could be interested in moving their stars, especially with the salary cap circumvention scandal, their losing record, and other issues plaguing the team, as seen with Paul’s recent departure.
Though they looked promising after getting Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the summer of 2019, that hasn’t worked out, despite all the roster changes and hopes of getting ‘The Klaw’ healthy for a full season. At this point, it may be in their best interest to rebuild, and a deal like this gives them a ton to work with for the future.
“Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, the Clippers could look to move off of the contracts for Harden and Leonard sooner than later with the goal of creating cap space to improve in the offseason,” Adam Wells wrote for Bleacher Report. “Bontemps noted the Clippers have “indicated” a willingness to move up their capspace timeline from 2027 to 2026. One assistant general manager told Windhorst that creating flexibility could create a path for them to be competitive next season.”
A Leonard trade is unlikely, considering his name being in the news over the past few months, but sending Harden out feels a lot more likely. In return, they’d get back Reid, Dillingham, and likely a ton of freed-up salary cap for next year.
After their recent struggles and inability to turn a corner in the playoffs, this deal could help them in the rebuilding years, though it can’t officially happen until January 15th.
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