Earlier this season, some teams around the league speculated that James Harden could become a trade candidate if the Los Angeles Clippers continued their poor start.
Instead, Harden has helped spark a turnaround and told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that leaving Los Angeles is not something he’s considering.
“It’s hard to explain,” Harden said. “Being at home, that’s like the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Just be able to hoop in front of my family, friends, people I grew up with, people that raised me. It’s a different feeling.”
The Clippers have gone 11-2 after dropping 21 of their first 27 games, though they remain just outside the playoff picture due to tiebreakers.
Former MVP believes the team’s confidence never wavered, even during the losing streak.
“Some teams, when it gets that bad, they just let the wheels fall off,” the player said. “The confidence is there. The losses are frustrating, but the confidence is still there.”
Harden added that improved defense and incremental adjustments have fueled the recent surge, and he remains confident the Clippers can keep climbing the Western Conference standings by taking things one game at a time.
Harden has played 17 seasons for 5 teams, including the Rockets and Clippers. He has averaged 24.1 points, 7.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds in 1,189 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 11 All-Star games. He has won 1 Sixth Man of the Year award and 1 MVP award.
ICYMI: James Harden has no desire to leave Los Angeles, plus more notes on the Clippers. https://t.co/dmXfhCDgIK
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 17, 2026
