After being absent for two consecutive games due to “personal reasons,” it appears the underlying motive is crystal clear. Harden is pushing for a trade.
This development caught almost everyone off guard. The Clippers have been on fire lately, claiming victory in 17 of their last 21 games after a difficult 6-21 start. Harden has been a key player in this resurgence, averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists over 41 games, proving he still has the skills of a seasoned All-Star.
Now, he may be on his way out.
Reports indicate that the Clippers are engaged in discussions with the Cavaliers regarding a potential trade for All-Star point guard Darius Garland. However, what other possibilities exist remains uncertain. With a $42.3 million player option for the next season on the table, it seems Harden is aiming for a multi-year contract that may not align with what Clippers owner Steve Ballmer wants to commit to.
This creates complications. Any team that decides to trade for Harden will probably need to offer an extension to make the deal worthwhile. Still, there will be interest. Harden continues to deliver strong performances, drawing attention from defenders and demonstrating his intelligence as a playmaker when he is focused.
The final question is which team is ready to take that risk. Will Harden’s next chapter be the last on his journey, or just another stop in his ongoing pursuit of success?
