Reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday confirm a trade sending James Harden from the LA Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers, in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round draft selection.
Harden and the Clippers, with their current 23-26 record, collaborated on his departure during recent days, culminating in a mutually advantageous arrangement. This move offers a “contend immediately” scenario for Harden, performing at an elite standard at 36, while providing the Clippers with 26-year-old two-time All-Star Garland, capable of contributing both presently and long-term.
Regarding the Cavaliers, who hold a 30-21 record, bringing in Harden could significantly boost the squad’s potential as they pursue a championship from the Eastern Conference. This move unites two formidable, versatile playmakers in Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
During the last full day, as details of the transaction emerged, Cleveland’s prospects for securing the NBA title shifted from 22-1 to 12-1 on DraftKings Sportsbook. Following the announcement of the trade on Tuesday, the Cavaliers surpassed the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons in the championship betting lines, now sharing the third-lowest odds with the New York Knicks, trailing only the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to the organization, Harden was absent from Sunday’s victory in Phoenix and Monday’s defeat at home against the Philadelphia 76ers due to private matters. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue mentioned prior to Monday’s match that Harden was situated at his residence in Phoenix.
Now in his seventeenth professional year, Harden continues to be a premier offensive force in the league, showcasing his prowess in both scoring and playmaking, with averages of 25.4 points and 8.1 assists. His scoring output has increased since his final full year with Houston, and he has been a pivotal factor in the Clippers’ recent positive streak, following their initial struggles with a 6-21 record.
Los Angeles obtained Harden via a transaction with the 76ers in 2023, and he contributed to the team reaching the postseason twice, though L.A. exited in the initial round on both occasions. Harden committed to a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Clippers during the off-season, featuring a player option worth $42 million for the upcoming season.
Harden has exhibited notable resilience in recent campaigns, participating in over 70 contests in each of the last two seasons and is projected to reach that mark again this year. An eleven-time All-Star (having narrowly missed selection this season) and a previous MVP recipient, Harden’s impressive career accomplishments are solely lacking a championship title.
Garland, who has posted averages of 18.0 points and 6.9 assists across 26 contests this season, is currently recovering from a right foot ailment and has been sidelined since January 14th.
Garland’s drafting in 2019 initiated Cleveland’s restructuring phase after LeBron James relocated to Los Angeles, and the guard evolved into a two-time All-Star player for the Cavaliers. Nevertheless, persistent injuries in recent years combined with postseason frustrations have prompted Cleveland to pursue a different direction.
This season, Garland’s appearances have been restricted to only 26 games, attributed to distinct toe issues, with the latest being diagnosed as a Grade 1 sprain affecting his right big toe.
At only 26 years old, Garland’s peak season occurred last year, where he recorded averages of 20.6 points and 6.7 assists, alongside a 40% success rate from beyond the arc. He received All-Star recognition and was instrumental in guiding the Cavaliers to a 64-victory season and the league’s top offensive performance.
Garland is currently midway through a five-year contract extension he inked in 2022. His agreement still has two years and approximately $90 million remaining.
