The Los Angeles Clippers have traded veteran guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The deal, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, swaps a 36-year-old All-Star for a younger but injury-prone point guard. This move aims to bolster Cleveland's title contention while rejuvenating the Clippers' roster.
The NBA trade deadline on February 5, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET saw one of its biggest moves when the Clippers sent James Harden to the Cavaliers. Harden, in the second year of a two-year, $81.5 million deal, has averaged around 25 points and eight assists this season, helping keep the Clippers competitive after a 6-21 start. At 36, he holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, with only $13 million guaranteed, allowing him flexibility in his pursuit of a championship—something missing from his resume despite 11 All-Star nods and a 2018 MVP award.
For Cleveland, acquiring Harden addresses concerns over Garland's durability. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since January 14 with a recurring toe injury from last postseason, limiting him to 26 games this year. Garland's contract includes two more max years and extension eligibility this summer, but his injury history, including a college meniscus tear, prompted the Cavaliers to seek a more immediate impact player. As ESPN notes, Harden's size (6-foot-5) and playmaking could pair well with Donovan Mitchell, potentially upgrading Cleveland's offense, which scored 118.9 points per 100 possessions with Harden on the floor for the Clippers.
The Clippers, the league's oldest team entering the season, gain a younger cornerstone in Garland to build around alongside Ivica Zubac, especially amid uncertainties with Kawhi Leonard's ongoing investigation. Clippers coach Ty Lue remarked, "Who wouldn't want James Harden?" reflecting the star's value. However, Harden's history of team-hopping—from Houston to Brooklyn to Philadelphia to Los Angeles—drew surprise from teammates like John Collins, who called it "shocking" and "out of left field."
This unconventional swap highlights the NBA's shifting market for small guards, where teams prioritize short-term contention over long-term assets. Cleveland, at 30-21, hopes Harden elevates their Eastern Conference playoff push, while Los Angeles eyes a roster reset.
