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1h ago

Cavaliers Land James Harden From Clippers for Darius Garland and Second-Round Pick

The deal reflects Cleveland's push to contend versus the Clippers' focus on preserving future cap space.

Feb 2, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins (20) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) attempts a lay up against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Overview

  • ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the completed swap sending Harden to Cleveland for Garland and a 2026 second-round pick, which multiple outlets corroborated.
  • Harden, 36, is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists and now joins Donovan Mitchell on a Cavaliers team sitting fifth in the East.
  • Garland, 26, has missed time with toe and foot issues this season, and a person familiar with his recovery told EssentiallySports he could be available for the Clippers shortly after the All-Star break.
  • The sides moved on contract priorities: Harden holds a partially guaranteed $42.3 million player option and sought assurances and future extension talks, while the Clippers sought to keep flexibility for 2027 free agency.
  • The teams are set to face each other in Los Angeles on Wednesday, with debuts unlikely, and the trade arrives as the deadline looms Thursday after Cleveland added Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis earlier in the week.