James Harden Trade Heat: Timberwolves Circling

Merlin sees the Clippers slide has put James Harden squarely into trade chatter. NBA insiders say teams are watching Harden's status as he chases late career goals at age 36, with Marc Stein relaying that an observer is monitoring him and Zach Lowe noting "vultures are circling" for other Los Angeles assets. Harden is still producing 26.0 points and 8.1 assists, but the Clippers sit 14th in the West at 6 20 as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches. Merlin notes Los Angeles publicly insists it does not want to "blow it up" so any Harden deal would signal a quick pivot to rebuilding. If a contender like Minnesota, which seeks a true playmaker, strikes, Harden could be a playoff catalyst. At his age and with a ring on the mind, he may push for a move if the fit is right.