Clippers Send James Harden to Cavaliers in Blockbuster Deal for Darius Garland

Posted : 04 February 2026

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers, receiving Darius Garland and a second-round pick in return, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The move comes as both teams look to reposition themselves with the trade deadline fast approaching.

Because of the structure of his contract, Harden held significant influence over any potential deal. Over the past several days, he worked collaboratively with the Clippers to finalize an exit that benefited both sides. For Harden, the move offers a renewed chance to compete for a championship at age 36, while the Clippers acquire a younger cornerstone in the 26-year-old Garland, who can contribute immediately and remain part of the team’s long-term plans.

Harden told ESPN late Tuesday that his motivation was rooted in not wanting to hinder the Clippers’ future. He explained that stepping aside allowed the organization to reset and regain flexibility, including draft assets. Harden added that Cleveland appealed to him as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, citing the team’s roster, coaching staff, and overall direction. While he valued his time in Los Angeles, Harden said his desire to finally win an NBA title played a major role in his decision.

The veteran guard strongly rejected reports that he had demanded a trade. Instead, he framed the situation as a mutual understanding that the partnership had reached its natural conclusion. Harden also expressed respect for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, team president Lawrence Frank, and head coach Tyronn Lue, saying the organization handled the situation professionally.

For the Cavaliers, who sit at 30–21 and fifth in the Eastern Conference, adding Harden significantly raises their championship aspirations. He now joins Donovan Mitchell to form one of the league’s most dynamic backcourts. According to ESPN Research, Harden and Mitchell are the only teammates among NBA players averaging at least 25 points and five assists this season.

Garland, meanwhile, is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million contract. He has been limited this season by recurring toe injuries and has not played since mid-January. Harden is earning $39.3 million this season, with a portion of his $49.2 million salary for next year guaranteed.

Negotiations between Harden and the Clippers last summer stalled when the team declined to offer him a longer-term extension, prioritizing financial flexibility due to age concerns. As discussions with Cleveland intensified last week, Harden missed two games for personal reasons, later confirming he had returned to Los Angeles and spent an emotional final day with the organization as the trade neared completion.

The deal had an immediate impact across the league. Cleveland’s NBA title odds surged following the news, vaulting the Cavaliers into the group of top contenders behind only a few Western Conference powerhouses. Coincidentally, Cleveland is scheduled to face the Clippers on Wednesday night, with both players required to pass physicals before the trade becomes official.

Harden leaves Los Angeles after helping the Clippers recover from a disastrous start to the season, guiding them back into playoff contention. The move marks his fifth NBA team and closes a chapter that began when the Clippers acquired him in 2023 to form a star trio that ultimately fell short of championship expectations.

Garland’s departure ends an era in Cleveland that began when he was drafted in 2019 to lead the franchise’s post-LeBron James rebuild. Despite flashes of All-Star brilliance and a standout 2024–25 campaign, injuries and postseason struggles ultimately led the Cavaliers to pivot toward a new direction.

Clippers Send James Harden to Cavaliers in Blockbuster Deal for Darius Garland

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics