A major trade news bombshell dropped Monday night while the Los Angeles Clippers were still in the middle of playing against the Philadelphia 76ers when reports emerged that the Clippers were engaged in heavy talks to trade away James Harden, with the Cleveland Cavaliers emerging as the likeliest candidate if a deal can be struck. 

This report comes as a surprise especially after the Clippers indicated that their Big Three of Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac were going to remain intact at the Feb. 5 trade deadline considering the Clippers' recent success. 

It was especially shocking to Leonard, who was obviously still on the court when rumors first emerged and had to be confronted with the news in his postgame interview. 

With the news so fresh, Leonard didn't have much time to formulate his thoughts, but maintained both his trust in the organization's decisions and his love for Harden regardless of what may transpire. 

"I have no comment. I respect his decision or whoever's decision it is. That's it," Leonard said. "He's still going to be my boy and I trust the front office."

Harden sat out both Monday's game and the game prior for "personal reasons" and Clippers head coach Ty Lue later clarified that Harden was back home in Phoenix. 

SI's Chris Mannix reported that the most likely deal with the Cavaliers involves a swap one-to-one swap of James Harden and Darius Garland. Garland is averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game and is signed to a maximum rookie contract through the 2027-28 season. 

Harden has been the glue of the Clippers this season through the good times and the bad. In the early part of the season when countless Clippers players, Leonard included, were down with injuries, Harden was carried the weight of the Clippers on his shoulders and helped keep the team afloat even as they struggled severely. 

Now that the Clippers are closer to full strength and Leonard has been lighting up the court, Harden has meshed well with his superstar counterpart and been a huge part of improving the Clippers to a 23-26 record. 

Harden is averaging 25.4 points per game, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 44 games this season while shooting 41.9% from the field. 

Trade deadline drama never fails to disappoint, but considering where the Clippers have been this season and how well they're doing now, the prospect of trading away James Harden would be the biggest blockbuster of the trade season so far.