There is significant difficulty in trading for James Harden in the middle of a season. Right away, he will change the team’s DNA, as he plays a one-man offense. This suggests that a trade request at the 2026 deadline could work against his favor, as the LA Clippers may comply with Harden’s wishes, but the partner needed to fulfill them will be vacant.
Ultimately, weeks of preparation are needed with Harden on-site. The Clippers spontaneously acquired Harden in 2023, explaining why everyone in the organization was in an intense struggle mode before the Christmas season arrived.