Clippers Report: Harden appears close to requesting a trade, but no team is ready to acquire him.

On December 2nd Beijing time, Clippers reporter Iliyan Lakhani shared insights about Harden’s situation. Here is his report —

If Harden wants to be traded mid-season, he will face significant obstacles. His isolation-heavy playing style would immediately alter the team’s core identity, meaning requesting a trade by the 2026 deadline might work against him — while the Los Angeles Clippers might be willing to accommodate Harden’s wish, there are no potential partners ready to take on the trade.

After all, integrating Harden into a team requires weeks of on-court chemistry building. The Clippers rushed to sign Harden in 2023, which explains why the entire team has struggled with intense adjustment issues ahead of the Christmas showdown.

Nevertheless, given the current 5-15 record, Harden seems increasingly close to filing a trade request.However, due to conflicts between his individual style and demands, the former MVP may find himself trapped in a dilemma before gaining control this summer.

During the offseason, the Clippers signed Harden to a two-year deal with a player option, giving him the power to decide his future. He might seek a partially or fully guaranteed contract worth over $40 million annually with another team, but to achieve this, the former MVP must not give up lightly while still with the Clippers this season.

If he does request a trade and successfully departs, his signature high-volume isolation approach could hinder his new team’s championship chances. No team in the league is prepared to absorb his 31.9% usage rate within an established system centered around other players and still maintain victories.

Therefore, before Harden and his agent meet with Frank (Clippers’ basketball operations president) and Ballmer (Clippers’ owner) to discuss this decision that will profoundly impact Clippers history, they will surely consider the long-term outlook.

Conversely, Harden should communicate with Frank and Ballmer in a new way: honestly expressing his concerns and requesting a comprehensive roster overhaul by the trade deadline. This is also his chance to promise the team’s management that he will give his all every night, showing 100% competitive effort.

That said, the Clippers are currently trapped in a nightmare that has made Harden the focal point. His playing style earned him hundreds of millions of dollars, but in this unique situation, it might cause his 17th NBA season to be wasted.