It's official! Harden shakes up the NBA! Rockets move quickly to trade

Drama unfolds, completely unexpected.

Insider Shams reports:The Clippers and Harden are striving to separate before the trade deadline this year...

Journalist Siegel states that Harden initiated the trade request; the Clippers were surprised but consented.

This season, 36-year-old Harden has appeared in 44 games, averaging 35.4 minutes per game, contributing 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals, with shooting percentages of 41.9%, 34.7%, and 90.1%. His current contract runs through summer 2027, and he holds a player option this summer allowing him to decline and become a free agent early.

By the way, Harden has trade veto power (due to a one-year contract extension clause); any trade requires his approval.

So, where he ends up being traded to is ultimately Harden’s decision, though it must first be negotiated with the Clippers.

Based on current information,the two most likely new teams for Harden are the Cavaliers and the Rockets.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Mannix, the Clippers and Cavaliers are in deep talks, possibly swapping Harden ($39.18 million) for Garland ($39.45 million), as their salaries match perfectly.

So far this season, 26-year-old Garland averages 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting 45.1%, 36%, and 86.1%. The only advantage he might have over Harden is being ten years younger.

If the Cavaliers manage to assemble the lineup of Harden, Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen, it would be quite promising, potentially breaking out of the weak Eastern Conference and aiming for the Finals.

But if we talk both strength and sentiment, fans most want to see Harden return to Houston after five years, especially teaming up again with his big brother Durant, alongside talented youngsters like Amen and Sengun. The Rockets only need a skilled playmaker this season to open the door to a championship.

In summary, whether Harden heads to the Cavaliers or Rockets, his decision will significantly impact the current NBA championship landscape, and this might be his last shot at competing for a title in his career.