5 Blockbuster James Harden Trades as Clippers Seemingly Accept Fate

James Harden went viral on Saturday for his eye-roll moment after assessing the LA Clippers' challenge of integrating players who weren't in their plans as much this season. On Monday, he played 19 minutes in a loss to the Miami Heat in which LA trailed by 38 points, producing his worst performance.

Harden was a plus-minus of -39 in 19 minutes. He had 11 points on six shots with three assists against five turnovers. To make things worse, Harden played a team-low 1:26 minutes in the second half.

The Clippers entered the year as the oldest, yet most experienced. LA appeared deep on paper and a fantastic 3-1 preseason had many believing it was in the title race, trailing only the OKC Thunder and at par with the Denver Nuggets.

However, almost five weeks in, they are reeling in the lower half of the Western Conference standings with a 5-16 record. The veterans they added are injured or unplayable. The Clippers are relying on younger, inexperienced players to play key minutes, who they weren't hoping to lean on this season.

Before Monday's lackluster game, James Harden hadn't failed to deliver. For the second consecutive year, he's been their best player. Harden was averaging 27.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.1 steals in 19 games before the loss to the Heat.

After Saturday's comments and Monday's performance, Harden has potentially fueled speculation around seeking an opportunity elsewhere to contend for a title. That said, here are five blockbuster trade ideas that could work out for the 11-time NBA All-Star.

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5 Blockbuster James Harden Trade Ideas

#5 James Harden to Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are among the emerging teams in the comparatively weaker Eastern Conference. Toronto has immense young talent, but the lack of experience could hold it back from reaching its ceiling.

James Harden would be a solid addition as a veteran presence who could accelerate their chances of a deep playoff run. He can play as a third option behind Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, a role that he seemingly has long desired at this stage of his NBA career.

Here's the proposed trade sending Harden to Toronto:

Raptors get

• James Harden
• Kobe Brown

Clippers get

• Immanuel Quickley
• Ochai Agbaji
• 2026 first-round pick via Toronto

The Clippers add 26-year-old Quickley and 25-year-old Agbaji to tip off a rebuild.

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#4 James Harden to Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks could be one of the most natural and enticing landing spots. They are 13-9, including 11-6 without All-Star Trae Young. Many are buying into the fact that the Hawks could be better off without the franchise centerpiece.

James Harden could be an excellent replacement for Young at the position. Harden's marginally better on defense. As far as playmaking goes, they match evenly.

However, Harden's a more efficient scorer, who won't hunt his shots as much as Young. This season, Young is averaging a career-low 17.8 ppg on 37.1% shooting from the field, including 19.2% from deep.

A straight swap with a salary filler and some picks would make sense for all involved, as the Hawks get a veteran on-court leader, and the Clippers add a new young star to build around.

Here's the proposed trade sending Harden to Atlanta:

Hawks get

• James Harden
• Brook Lopez
• 2026 second-round pick (via Memphis)
• 2031 second-round pick (via Clippers)

Clippers get

• Trae Young
• 2026 first-round pick (from Spurs, via Hawks)

The Clippers also get a slightly unfavorable first via the Spurs. While it's not a lucrative asset, getting a chance to draft another young player would be welcomed by LA.

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#3 James Harden to Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be a rather polarizing landing spot for James Harden, given his history with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their cold war is well-documented, dating back to their MVP rivalry days in 2019 and Antetokounmpo taunting Harden's ball-dominance during the 2020 All-Star draft.

However, the Bucks can use a player like Harden. Milwaukee has slumped to a 9-13 record despite playing in a favorable Eastern Conference.

Harden's playmaking and scoring can take pressure off Antetokounmpo as the sole offensive engine and potentially even propel them to a midseason comeback.

Here's the proposed trade sending Harden to Milwaukee:

Bucks get

• James Harden
• Kobe Brown

Clippers get

• Terance Mann
• Cameron Thomas
• Bobby Portis
• Ryan Rollins
• 2031 first-round pick (via Bucks)

Nets get

• Kyle Kuzma
• Andre Jackson Jr.
• 2031 second-round pick (via Clippers)

The Clippers add two young guards in Cameron Thomas and Ryan Rollins, along with a 2031 first-round pick. They reunite with Terance Mann as part of the trade, with Brooklyn as the third team, making the framework possible, with another valuable asset like Bobby Portis.

The Clippers can continue to contend with the replenished depth, and if it doesn't work out, move on from the veterans in the offseason.

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#2 James Harden to Miami Heat

The Miami Heat reportedly pursued James Harden five years ago when he demanded a trade from the Houston Rockets. They lost that battle to the Brooklyn Nets. Five years later, the Heat remain a strong suitor for Harden.

He could be a solid fit for their new free-flowing motion-based offense. Harden has leaned on pick-and-rolls heavily over the past few years, but he's been part of unique five-out offensive systems before.

He remains a threat in isolation, making him a viable target for Miami if it eyes move. The Heat have an All-Star guard like Tyler Herro to entice the Clippers in a deal.

Here's the proposed trade sending Harden to Miami:

Heat get

• James Harden
• Kobe Brown

Clippers get

• Tyler Herro
• Simone Fontecchio

Herro has continued to play at an All-Star level, but concerns remain around his ability to deliver when the stakes are high. Harden, on the other hand, with the right pieces around him, can be a more respectable threat.

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#1 James Harden to Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves might be the perfect landing spot for James Harden. The Timberwolves are reportedly eyeing a solution at the point guard spot after demoting Mike Conley to the bench. Donte DiVincenzo has filled that void for now, but he isn't a natural point guard, which has led to the Timberwolves' perimeter players sharing playmaking duties.

It hasn't been ideal, and it might be one of the reasons they exit the playoffs early. With Harden's production levels this season, he can put the Wolves' offense among the top five. Playing next to an MVP-caliber player like Anthony Edwards also significantly improves his chances of returning to the conference finals after eight years.

Here's the proposed trade sending Harden to Minnesota:

Timberwolves get

• James Harden
• Nicolas Batum

Clippers get

• Ja Morant
• Rob Dillingham
• 2028 first-round pick (via Timberwolves)

Grizzlies get

• Julius Randle
• Donte DiVincenzo

The Clippers have the best player in this three-team trade, which fetches them a first-round pick. They also acquire Ja Morant as the next franchise star, whose market value isn't as high at the moment. Rob Dillingham is another nice addition. He hasn't found a role or consistent minutes in Minnesota, and it might change in LA.