ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the bombshell news on Monday night that the Los Angeles Clippers are exploring a trade involving one of their key veterans, James Harden.
Several Los Angeles Clippers were asked about it after their 128-113 home defeat yesterday, including Kawhi Leonard, who admitted he was surprised to hear the reports involving his co-star.
“Yeah, of course, that’s a surprise, I was playing,” Leonard told Joey Linn of SI. “I have no comment on it. I respect his decision, or whoever decision it is, and that’s it. He’s still going to be my boy. I trust the front office.”
“It definitely was shocking. Obviously, I don’t know too much right now. So am just going to continue to see how it unfolds, and go with it,” John Collins chimed in. “It would be a shock for me and for the team (if Harden gets traded). And what we’ve been able to do. Our season turned around. Definitely something different. Out of left field.”
Los Angeles Clippers News: Ty Lue chimes in on the James Harden trade rumors
Los Angeles Clippers head coach also voiced his thoughts on the James Harden trade rumors after their game last night. Instead of commenting on the rumors, Lue discussed Harden’s importance for the squad this season.
“He means a lot,” Lue said of Harden. “He means a lot to our team, and we’ve seen him the last three years. Who wouldn’t wanna have James Harden?”
According to SI’s Chris Mannix, the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers were in “advanced discussions” on a deal that would send Harden the other way for Darius Garland. The report added that Cleveland wanted additional draft assets for Garland, but Los Angeles are reluctant to part with their limited draft capital.
