Overview
- The Clippers traded James Harden to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, confirming a one-for-one star swap with a minor asset attached.
- Harden denied asking out of Los Angeles and described the split as amicable, saying he sees a better path to a championship in the Eastern Conference with Cleveland.
- This season Harden has produced at roughly a 25-point, 8-assist pace, while Garland has battled a toe issue and has faced questions about playoff availability.
- Cleveland prioritized an immediate upgrade for a postseason run, whereas analysis of the Clippers’ side highlights acquiring a 26-year-old All-Star and reducing longer-term salary risk.
- Cleveland plays the Clippers in Los Angeles tonight, raising the possibility of a same-arena debut for Harden shortly after the trade.