Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has backed teammate James Harden on a potential move ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

Eleven-time All-Star Harden missed a second straight game as the Clippers lost 128-113 at home to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. ESPN A trade for Darius Garland has reportedly been discussed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I was playing — so yeah, it was surprising,” Leonard said when asked about the speculation. “I have no comment on that.

“I respect his decision as much as anybody’s decision. He’s still going to be my guy and I trust the front office.”

OMG Kawhi Leonard!!!!! 🤯🖐️ pic.twitter.com/7ybWgldQDX

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 3, 2026

James Harden Trade: Darius Garland to Clippers?

If the Cavaliers should move on Harden, a trade for two-time All-Star point guard Garland seems like a possible way to finalize a deal that suits both teams.

The Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell’s future will be especially uncertain if Kenny Atkinson’s team fails to go deep in the playoffs, which will fuel their need for more options at the position.

The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Clippers are ninth in the Western Conference after winning 17 of 22 games.

Tyronn Lue: LA Clippers coach on NBA trade rumors

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue appeared disappointed after the loss and said he was “not sure” if his players were affected by the rumors surrounding Harden.

“You’ll have to ask them,” Lew suggested. “I don’t know – why don’t you ask them? I’m not a player. I can’t comment on rumours.

“He means a lot to our team and we’ve seen that over the last three years. Who doesn’t have James Harden?”

The James Harden contract

Harland can block any trade and has a $42 million player option next season, although only $13 million of that deal is guaranteed.

The 36-year-old joined the Clippers from the 76ers, the third time Harden was traded at his request during his career.

After starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden played for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then played for the Brooklyn Nets until 2022.

Darius Garland at the buzzer. @dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/IuporkuAZN

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 13, 2026

Darius Garland statistics

Garland averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season but has not played since Jan. 14.

The 26-year-old is said to have suffered injuries to both big toes, with his right foot currently keeping him out.

Cleveland signed Garland as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 draft. His reported salary of $39.4 million this season is said to be slightly higher than Harden’s.

NBA Trade Deadline Deals

The Cavaliers have already been involved in a three-team deal before the trade deadline, which is Thursday, February 5 at 15:00 ET (12:00 PT / 20:00 GMT).

Signed guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder Sacramento KingsWhile forward Emmanuel Miller has joined from Chicago Bulls.

Forward or guard De’Andre Hunter moved from Cleveland to Sacramento. Kings traded Dario Saric and runoff elections in Chicago in 2027 and 2029.