In a stunning move just days before the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a trade sending 11 time All Star James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for two time All-Star Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick.
The trade, reported by multiple outlets including ClutchPoints, marks a seismic shift for both franchises and ends Harden’s brief, two-and-a-half-year tenure with his hometown team.
The Trade Details
The trade is now official:
- Cleveland Cavaliers receive: James Harden
- Los Angeles Clippers receive: Darius Garland, a 2026 second-round pick
The deal culminates advanced talks that accelerated in recent days. Harden, who held veto power and a 15% trade kicker on his contract, reportedly worked collaboratively with the Clippers to facilitate the move to a team of his choosing.
Why the Clippers Moved On
Despite the Clippers’ recent success winning 17 of their last 22 games for the league’s best record since December 20th a fundamental conflict over Harden’s future led to the split.
The organization has been strategically prioritizing its salary cap flexibility for the star-studded summer of 2027, refusing to commit significant money beyond the 2026-27 season.
Why the Cavaliers Made the Move
For Cleveland, this trade represents a dramatic “win-now” gamble. The pairing of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, while talented, failed to produce the playoff success the franchise envisioned.
By acquiring Harden, Cleveland adds a proven scorer and elite playmaker who can share ball-handling duties with Mitchell, potentially creating one of the league’s most dynamic and experienced backcourts for a playoff push.
Garland’s 2025-26 Season Stats: 18.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 45.1% FG, 36.0% 3PT (25 games played)
Harden’s Reaction and What’s Next
Following the trade, Harden spoke to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and framed the move as a mutual, positive resolution rather than a contentious split.
“That wasn’t the case at all,” Harden said regarding reports he had demanded a trade. “In life, not even just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships… I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place and are very happy.”
Harden now joins a Cavaliers team (30-21) he believes offers a “better chance” to compete for the NBA championship that has eluded him throughout his 17-year career.
The two teams are scheduled to face each other for the second and final time this season on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, though it’s unlikely either newly traded player will be in uniform for the matchup.
