NBA trade deadline: The biggest questions on the Harden-Garland deal - ESPN

In a shocking development just ahead of the NBA trade deadline Thursday, star guard James Harden is on his way out of Los Angeles.

Harden, who has missed the past two games for personal reasons, according to the team, helped lead the Clippers back into the playoff picture after a 6-21 start. They are 23-26 and in ninth in the Western Conference.

Harden, 36, has been traded four times in his career, three of which came after trade requests: from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets (2021); Nets to Philadelphia 76ers (2022); and then 76ers to Clippers (2023). Harden is averaging 25.4 points per game this season, his highest since his final full season in Houston in 2020-21. He has played 44 games and is averaging 35.4 minutes.

Why did Harden and the Clippers part ways? And what does Harden's potential departure mean for LA's future? Our NBA insiders answer the biggest lingering questions:

As recently as two weeks ago, Harden was talking about how «blessed» he felt to be able to play in his hometown at this stage of his career. By all accounts, the feeling was mutual with the organization.

Harden was well-liked in LA and more productive than anyone would've expected after how his time in Philadelphia ended. The problem is, he's 36 and due to make the kind of salary the best player on a contender makes, not that of an aging superstar on a team that has probably missed its championship window.

Moving Harden, and getting Darius Garland, gives the Clippers something of a future.

Which is saying something considering how bereft of draft picks and promising younger players the Clippers are.

It's not clear where this would leave Kawhi Leonard, 34, who has helped lead the Clippers back to the playoff chase after their horrible