James Harden Traded from Clippers to Cavaliers for Darius Garland: Reports
CLEVELAND/LOS ANGELES — In one of the most notable moves ahead of the NBA’s February trade deadline, the **Los Angeles Clippers have traded 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, multiple outlets reported late Tuesday.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania and NBA.com News Services, the deal sends the veteran Harden — who is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists this season — to Cleveland as the Cavaliers push for a deeper playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland, currently among the upper tier of the East standings, is expected to pair Harden with star guard Donovan Mitchell in a bid to boost its offensive firepower down the season stretch. Harden, 36, is in the final year of his contract with a player option for 2026-27 and reportedly had to approve the move due to contract stipulations.
In return, the Clippers receive Garland, a two-time All-Star and cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ backcourt whose career has been slowed this season by a toe injury. The second-round pick adds future flexibility for Los Angeles as it retools around younger talent.
The trade has drawn widespread attention across NBA media, with analysts grading the deal and debating its impact on both franchises. Some see Cleveland making a bold “win-now” statement, while LA positions itself for a longer rebuild by acquiring a younger starting guard with All-Star experience.
The Cavaliers and Clippers face each other on Wednesday in Los Angeles, although it remains unclear if Harden or Garland will debut with their new teams in that matchup.
This blockbuster swap reshapes two playoff-contending squads just before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, highlighting the intense roster jockeying as teams chase championship aspirations.
