'Who wouldn't want to have James Harden?' Ty Lue, Clippers players react to reports of possible trade

"James Harden has played a key role in helping the Clippers become one of the NBA's hottest teams over the last six weeks despite a disastrous start to their season. He may not be around, however, to see how the rest of the season unfolds. Multiple media outlets are reporting that Harden and the Clippers working to find a suitable deal that would send him to another team by Thursday's NBA trade deadline."

"Many of those reports mention a possible trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, swapping Harden in exchange for guard Darius Garland. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated described discussions between the two teams as "advanced." The Clippers play the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Wednesday. Harden, 36, had 25 points and nine assists in 34 minutes during the Clippers' 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday but has not played in the team's two games since. The Clippers have attributed Harden's absence to personal reasons."

"Coach Tyronn Lue was asked about the matter during his news conference after the game. "I can't comment on rumors," Lue said. "Sorry." After the game, Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard told Joey Linn of Linn Sports media he was surprised by the Harden reports. "I respect his decision or whoever's decision it is, and that's it," Leonard said. "I mean, he's still gonna be my boy and, you, know, I trust the front office.""

James Harden has helped spark a major Clippers turnaround after a 6-21 start, contributing to one of the NBA's hottest teams over the last six weeks. Harden and the Clippers are pursuing a trade before Thursday's deadline, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and guard Darius Garland mentioned as a potential swap. Discussions between the two teams have been described as "advanced." Harden had 25 points and nine assists in a recent loss but has missed the team's last two games for personal reasons. Coach Tyronn Lue declined to comment on rumors. Kawhi Leonard expressed surprise and support; John Collins called the news "shocking."

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