{"id":175948,"date":"2026-02-04T11:15:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:15:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=175948"},"modified":"2026-02-04T11:45:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:45:34","slug":"ranking-every-james-harden-exit-after-he-leaves-the-clippers-hanging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/02\/04\/ranking-every-james-harden-exit-after-he-leaves-the-clippers-hanging\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking Every James Harden Exit After He Leaves The Clippers ‘Hanging’"},"content":{"rendered":"

LOS ANGELES \u2014 There are few constants in life: Death, change, taxes and apparently a prompt James Harden<\/a> trade after he asks out. This is the fourth time in six seasons that James Harden has requested an in-season trade and then gotten the exit he desires, this time it\u2019s the Clippers<\/a>. The Cleveland Cavaliers<\/a> acquired him from Los Angeles in exchange for Darius Garland<\/a> and a 2026 second-round pick. Compared to his previous departures, this was an amicable split for all parties involved. As we explore his other exits, we will learn that this often is not the case.<\/p>\n

Ranking Every James Harden Exit After He Leaves The Clippers ‘Hanging’<\/h2>\n

Trade from Oklahoma City to Houston<\/h3>\n
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Nov 28, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) look at the scoreboard during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 120-98. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Harden\u2019s first NBA exit came in 2012, when the Thunder<\/a> traded him to Houston after failing to reach a contract extension. Oklahoma City prioritized financial flexibility and chose not to commit long-term money to a young sixth man \u2014 a decision that quickly became one of the most infamous in NBA history.<\/p>\n

Harden did not demand this trade, nor did he create friction. Instead, he was moved as part of a business decision that ultimately launched him into superstardom.<\/p>\n

Why it’s No. 5:<\/h4>\n

It shaped his career but wasn\u2019t contentious and wasn\u2019t initiated by Harden.<\/p>\n

Asking Out While the Clippers Were Winning<\/h3>\n

Harden joined the Clippers in October 2023 and helped stabilize a roster built around Kawhi Leonard<\/a> and Paul George<\/a> initially. His playmaking boosted their offense, and the team went through a strong stretch. This season, after a horrendous 6-21 start, they won 16 of 20 games over a two-month span.<\/p>\n

Despite that recent success, Harden requested a trade after contract extension talks stalled. The timing raised eyebrows. The Clippers were competitive, but Harden once again prioritized long-term security over short-term momentum.<\/p>\n

This exit led to his trade to Cleveland, marking yet another midseason departure.<\/p>\n

Why it\u2019s No. 4:<\/h4>\n

It lacked the public drama of his Houston or Philadelphia exits, but the timing makes it jarring.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn Nets: A Championship Dream That Collapsed<\/h3>\n

Harden arrived in Brooklyn in January 2021 to form a superteam with Kevin Durant<\/a> and Kyrie Irving.<\/a> On paper, the trio looked unstoppable. In reality, injuries, absences, and instability derailed the experiment.<\/p>\n

Durant missed significant time with injury. Kyrie\u2019s availability became inconsistent due to vaccination protocols. The three stars played just 16 games together (13-3 record), and the Nets<\/a> were eliminated in the 2021 playoffs despite Harden playing through injury. By the 2021\u201322 season, Harden grew increasingly frustrated with the lack of continuity, unclear leadership structure, and uncertainty around Kyrie\u2019s status.<\/p>\n

Rather than recommit long-term, Harden quietly pushed for another exit. In February 2022, Brooklyn traded him to Philadelphia in a deal centered around Ben Simmons<\/a>, effectively ending one of the most hyped superteam experiments in modern NBA history after barely one full season.<\/p>\n

Why it\u2019s No. 3:<\/h4>\n

Although not explosive publicly, Harden\u2019s Nets exit symbolized the failure of one of the most anticipated superteams in league history \u2014 a trio that never came close to fulfilling its championship promise.<\/p>\n

Forcing His Way Out of Houston (Rockets to Nets)<\/h3>\n

Harden\u2019s Houston exit ended a nine-year run in which he became one of the franchise\u2019s greatest players and an MVP. By the 2020 offseason, Harden was openly frustrated with the Rockets\u2019 direction after multiple playoff failures and roster turnover.<\/p>\n

While Harden never said he wore a \u201cfat suit,\u201d fans and onlookers speculated about his conditioning early in the season, fueling the narrative that he was disengaged. Whether fair or not, the optics added pressure on Houston\u2019s front office to act.<\/p>\n