Clippers Trade Harden and Zubac in Emotional Moves

Franchise looks to get younger after tough decisions to part ways with veteran stars

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Los Angeles Clippers have traded away two-fifths of their starting lineup, 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden and center Ivica Zubac, in an effort to get younger and build for the future. The moves, while necessary for the team's long-term sustainability, came with an emotional toll as the Clippers parted ways with two of their most reliable and available players in recent years.

Why it matters

The Clippers were one of the oldest teams in the NBA, and these trades represent a shift in the franchise's strategy as they look to get younger and more sustainable for the long term. The departures of Harden and Zubac, who were integral parts of the team, will have a significant impact both on and off the court.

The details

The Clippers traded Zubac to the Indiana Pacers after receiving what team president Lawrence Frank called a "Godfather-type offer" that was too good to refuse. Zubac, who had spent his entire career with the Clippers after coming over from the Lakers, had just become a new father, making the trade even more emotional. The team also traded Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Frank citing Harden's understanding of the "business" side of the NBA and the opportunity to get younger with the acquisition of two-time All-Star Darius Garland.

  • The Clippers made the trades in early February 2026.
  • Zubac was traded the night before he was set to come into the Clippers' practice facility.
  • Harden and the Clippers had discussed the team's plans for the next couple of years prior to the trade.

The players

James Harden

An 11-time NBA All-Star who was a key part of the Clippers' starting lineup before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ivica Zubac

The longest-tenured active player on the Clippers, who was traded to the Indiana Pacers after spending his entire career with the team.

Lawrence Frank

The president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Clippers, who made the difficult decisions to trade Harden and Zubac.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who was "hurt and disappointed" by the departures of Harden and Zubac but understood the team's need to make "really, really hard decisions" for long-term sustainability.

Darius Garland

The two-time NBA All-Star acquired by the Clippers in the trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is currently recovering from a toe injury but is expected to be a key part of the team's future.

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What they’re saying

“Not only did we want to win today, we also need to build a quote unquote better tomorrow.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers (wbal.com)

“There were a lot of tears. It's hard because we all know what Zu means to us.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers (wbal.com)

“James understands the business better than any player I've ever known. He exceeded all our expectations.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers (wbal.com)

“Kawhi was hurt and disappointed those guys aren't here, but he's also a great partner. He understands in order to be sustainable, you have to make some really, really hard decisions.”

— Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, Los Angeles Clippers (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Clippers are confident that Darius Garland, the two-time All-Star acquired in the trade with the Cavaliers, will be able to contribute to the team once he fully recovers from his toe injury. The team is taking a cautious approach to ensure Garland is healthy and ready to play at a high level for the long term.

The takeaway

The Clippers' trades of Harden and Zubac, while difficult, represent a necessary shift in the team's strategy as they look to get younger and build a more sustainable roster for the future. The emotional toll of parting ways with two key players highlights the human side of the business, but the Clippers are confident these moves will put them in a better position to compete and win in the long run.