By Declan HarrisShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThis season has seen the Los Angeles Clippers struggle to get things going, posting a 7-21 record that has them sitting second-to-last in the Western Conference standings, a half-game ahead of the Sacramento Kings. There are a few things that have caused this lackluster start, whether it was the season-ending injury to Bradley Beal in early November, a falling out with veteran guard Chris Paul, or the recent loss of Ivica Zubac; things aren't right in the City of Angels.
Two players who have managed to shine despite their team's murky performances are James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, with the veteran pair combining for 51 points per game, showing that they can still provide a lethal punch while their team is struggling.
...While there hasn’t been anything said about interest in the two-time NBA champion, there were recent reports that multiple front offices around the league are keeping an eye on Harden, given his career ambitions and his team’s shaky record.
However, it appears that the Clippers aren't invested in the idea of letting go of Harden or his six-time All-Star counterpart, as explained by NBA insider Jake Fischer.
In a post on The Stein Line, Fischer explained that Los Angeles' front office doesn't have any plans to let the two depart as things stand.
“Sources say that the Clippers, furthermore, are continuing — at least for the moment — to push back on suggestions that established veterans like James Harden or Kawhi Leonard will be made available,” Fischer states.
Any moves regarding the two players would be sure to shake up and free some of the Clippers’ payroll, given that the pair accounts for 57.6 percent of their salary cap this season, according to Sportrac. As stated previously, it would also take out two offensive engines in head coach Ty Lue’s system, given that Harden and Leonard are the team’s two leading scorers.
As for now, there remains a lengthy period of time for anything to change, given that the NBA’s trade deadline closes on February 5, 2026.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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