Key Takeaways:
- James Harden is moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers after a trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers was revealed on Tuesday night
- The Clippers will receive Darius Garland and a future second-round pick in exchange for Harden
- The trade is expected to receive NBA approval by Wednesday, aligning with the upcoming Cavaliers-Clippers matchup in Inglewood, California
Significant Roster Change Confirmed
James Harden, amid his most prolific season in six years, will join the Cleveland Cavaliers following an agreement between the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland. Information regarding the trade was shared on Tuesday night, though the move awaits formal ratification by the NBA.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards. pic.twitter.com/IHhhhabJnX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026
High-Profile Guard Exchange Shapes Franchise Trajectories
The deal, first reported as finalised by ESPN, will see the Clippers bolster their future prospects by obtaining two-time All-Star Darius Garland, who has been averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists per game this season. Alongside Garland, a future second-round pick will further enhance the Clippers’ rebuilding strategy.
Conversely, the Cavaliers acquire Harden, a seasoned 11-time All-Star, as he averages 25.4 points this season – a personal best since his 34.3 points-per-game in 2019-20. Such form has significantly contributed to the Clippers bouncing back from a 6-21 start, pushing for playoff or play-in berth contention.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue commented Monday night, “He means a lot to our team and we’ve seen it the last three years. Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?”
NBA Approval and Future Implications
A person familiar with the negotiations stated the trade is pending official approval, anticipated before the Cavaliers and Clippers meet in Inglewood, California, on Wednesday. The Cavaliers appear to be aiming for immediate postseason impact, potentially combining Harden, now with his sixth NBA team, alongside Donovan Mitchell to create a formidable backcourt.
For Los Angeles, Garland’s youth and recent All-Star exploits signal a drive focused on building long-term success. Harden’s prior experience includes stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and, since 2023, the Clippers.
Contract Details and Player Movement
Harden, aged 36, opted out of the final year of his previous contract with the Clippers last summer, signing a new deal worth $81.5 million over this season and the 2026-27 campaign. The arrangement effectively serves as a one-year contract, with next season under Harden’s discretion.
This agreement came off the back of Harden averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game last season, earning him a return to the All-NBA team for the first time since his 2019-20 campaign.
