As the Los Angeles Clippers were playing the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, news broke that the Clippers were in talks to trade James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated first reported the news. 

Harden has missed the last two games for the Clippers, with "personal reasons" being listed as the reason for his absence. 

The Clippers would go on to lose 128-113 to the Sixers, their second loss in three games after losing just three times in their last 19, but the talk after the game was more about Harden and less about what just transpired on the court. 

Speaking to the media after the game, Clippers forward John Collins was asked about the news of Harden potentially being moved. 

"It definitely was shocking," said Collins. 

Collins said he obviously didn't know too much in that moment, but he would see how it unfolded and go with it.

Asked if it would be a disappointment to see Harden moved, given how the Clippers have turned things around since mid-December, Collins replied, "Hell yeah." 

Collins said it would be a shock for him and the team, given what they've been able to do. He said the news seemed out of left field, but they would continue to handle it as it unfolds. 

The Clippers dug themselves out of a 6-21 hole and now sit at 23-26, ninth in the Western Conference. 

Harden is putting up his best scoring numbers since his time in Houston, averaging 25.4 points per game while shooting 41% from the field, 34% from three, and 90% from the line. 

The Clippers had high expectations coming into the season with Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the roster, flanked by Ivica Zubac, the newly acquired Collins and Bradley Beal, and a returning Chris Paul. 

Unfortunately for Los Angeles, a hip injury to Beal cost him this season, and there was a falling out with Paul that has kept him off the team since December. 

Despite the early season turmoil, the Clippers have become one of the hottest teams in the league since mid-December, which is why news of a potential Harden trade came as a surprise to many, including his own teammates. 

According to the report, Harden could be moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers, bringing Darius Garland back in return. Garland has played in just 26 games this season, averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.