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Ramona Shelburne
Multiple Authors
The LA Clippers have traded 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday.
Harden had effective veto power over any potential trade due to the specifics of his contract. He negotiated his exit with the Clippers (23-26) over the last few days, yielding a mutually beneficial resolution. It’s a championship opportunity for Harden, who is performing at a high level at age 36, while the Clippers gain a two-time All-Star in Garland who, at 26, can contribute now and in the future.
Harden expressed to ESPN late Tuesday night that he didn’t want to feel as though he was “holding the Clippers back in their future.”
“I wanted them to have a chance to rebuild and gain some draft capital,” Harden stated, adding that he was thrilled to join the Cavaliers because “I see an opportunity to win in the East. They have a great team, coaching staff, and everything that comes with it. While I wanted to stay in L.A. and try again, I’ve never won a championship before. As a basketball mind, I believe we have a better chance.”
Harden strongly refuted rumors suggesting he requested a trade from the Clippers.
“That wasn’t the case whatsoever,” he mentioned. “In life, not just basketball, when things don’t go as planned, there are ways to end relationships without animosity. ‘Maybe we just don’t envision a future together. Perhaps we just outgrew one another.’ Whatever it is, I believe our situation was not like that.”
Harden stated he respected owner Steve Ballmer, team president Lawrence Frank, and coach Tyronn Lue “because they didn’t put me in an awkward position, despite what everyone tried to imply.”
For the Cavaliers (30-21), bringing in Harden could enhance their prospects as they vie for an Eastern Conference title. It creates a powerful combination with Donovan Mitchell, as both are among the 10 players in the NBA averaging at least 25 points and five assists this season, according to ESPN Research.
Garland is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million deal. Harden’s contract this season totals $39.3 million, with $13.8 million of his $49.2 million salary for next season guaranteed.
“At the end of the day, it is a business, and I believe both sides achieved what they wanted, are positioned well, and are quite happy. I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still pursuing my first championship and am ready to do whatever it takes to win.” James Harden on Cavs-Clippers trade
Harden sought more security in negotiations with the Clippers over the summer after a successful season that earned him third-team All-NBA honors, but LA opted not to extend a longer-term offer due to his age and a focus on organizational long-term flexibility. Superstar Kawhi Leonard has only one year remaining on his contract after this season.
As negotiations with the Cavaliers heated up over the past week, Harden missed Sunday’s game in Phoenix and Monday’s game against Philadelphia for reasons announced as personal. Lue remarked before Monday’s game that Harden was at his home in Phoenix.
Harden conveyed to ESPN that he returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday and experienced an emotional day at the team’s facility, knowing a trade was imminent.
“We had an incredible 2½ years,” Harden reflected. “We might not have met the goals we all aimed for, but we created great memories, victories, and enjoyable times together.”
“At the end of the day, it is a business, and I feel both sides got what they wanted, are in a good place, and are truly happy. I’m thrilled about Cleveland. I’m still on the quest for my first championship and will do anything necessary to win.”
The Cavaliers are set to face the Clippers on Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, with Garland traveling with the team. Both players must pass physicals before the trade is finalized.
In the past 24 hours as the trade unfolded, the Cavaliers’ odds to win the NBA title shifted from 22-1 to 12-1 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Following the trade announcement Tuesday, the Cavaliers surged ahead of the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons in the title odds, now tied with the New York Knicks for the third-best title odds, trailing only the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harden had played a crucial role in helping the Clippers recover from a rough 6-21 season start. He previously shared with ESPN that he felt “blessed” to be playing in his hometown of Los Angeles, confident that the Clippers could “make a full comeback” from their rocky start.
Since December 20, the Clippers have achieved a 17-4 record, propelling them to ninth place in the Western Conference. yet, their slow start prompted teams to explore Harden’s availability in trade talks.
The Clippers marked Harden’s fifth team in his career, following previous tenures with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia. LA brought him in from Philadelphia in 2023 to partner with superstars Leonard and Paul George.
George departed for Philadelphia as a free agent in the summer of 2024 and was recently handed a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s drug policy.
Garland, who is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists over 26 games, has faced limitations this season due to separate toe injuries, the most recent of which is a Grade 1 sprain of his right big toe. He hasn’t played since January 14.
Garland’s selection in the 2019 draft initiated Cleveland’s rebuild after LeBron James moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, and he developed into a two-time All-Star with the Cavaliers. yet, injuries in recent seasons and playoff setbacks prompted Cleveland to move in a different direction.
His standout season occurred in 2024-25 when he averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. He earned All-Star recognition and contributed to the Cavaliers achieving a historic 64-win season, showcasing the best offense in the NBA.
