Ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers struck a deal that sent star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Clippers received two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a second-round pick. ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the deal on Tuesday via X.
It has been less than 24 hours since the report of Harden wanting to leave the Clippers came out. According to multiple reports, LA has had advanced discussions with the Cavaliers regarding a point guard swap. The star guard has not been with the team due to personal reasons for the past two games.
The 11-time All-Star’s final game for the Clippers was on Saturday, against the Denver Nuggets. He had 25 points and nine assists in a 122-109 loss.
According to Charania, James Harden and the Clippers have worked out an exit recently. Additionally, LA believes that acquiring the 26-year-old Garland is beneficial for the franchise’s present and future.
“Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days — resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future,” Charania reported.
Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days — resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future. https://t.co/JM2tYr6lof
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
To complement their stars, each team gets a star guard. Kawhi Leonard will share the floor with Garland in LA, while Cleveland’s backcourt remains competitive with Donovan Mitchell and Harden.
James Harden gets to compete for a title with the Cavaliers
The Clippers had a rough start to the 2025-26 season, with a 6-21 record. But they’ve been able to do a better job since the New Year, and are now 23-26 in the Western Conference. However, James Harden has a better shot at contending with the Cavaliers.
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN explained how the experienced star will benefit from the move.
“Harden gets a chance to play for a contender and a better chance to earn some long term security. Everyone involved knew this summer how tradable that partial guarantee on the second year of Harden’s contract made him,” Shelburne posted.
Harden finished his stint with the Clippers averaging 21.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists.
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