Clippers Swap James Harden for Darius Garland in Trade Deal with Cavaliers
James Harden to Join Cleveland Cavaliers in Blockbuster Trade
James Harden is set to reunite with the Eastern Conference as he head to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly agreed to send the 11-time All-Star back to Cleveland during what has been his highest-scoring season in six years, according to a source familiar with the situation.
In exchange, the Cavaliers will part ways with point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick. The individual spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, as the trade is pending NBA approval. That approval may come as early as Wednesday, when the Cavaliers and Clippers are scheduled to meet at Intuit Dome.
Harden is currently averaging 25.4 points this season, marking his highest average since he posted 34.3 points during the 2019-20 season. His performance has been instrumental in the Clippers’ resurgence into playoff contention following a rough start to the season, where they recorded only six wins against 21 losses.
“He means a lot to our team and we’ve seen it the last three years,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said as trade rumors began circulating. “Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?”
This trade will mark Harden’s sixth team in his career, following stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and the Clippers.
For Cleveland, acquiring the 36-year-old Harden represents a strategic move to solidify their roster alongside star guard Donovan Mitchell. Meanwhile, the Clippers appear focused on the future, with 26-year-old Garland—who is averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists this season—coming to Los Angeles.
Harden opted out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers last summer to sign a new deal potentially worth $81.5 million for this season and the 2026-27 campaign, with next year under his option. He secured this deal after an impressive season in which he averaged 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, marking his return to the All-NBA team for the first time since 2019-20.
