James Harden Traded to Cavaliers for Darius Garland in NBA Blockbuster

James Harden is now a Cleveland Cavalier, and Darius Garland is headed to the Los Angeles Clippers. The two teams completed the trade late Tuesday, swapping their starting point guards in a move that caught many by surprise. Cleveland sought a veteran scorer to pair with Donovan Mitchell, while Los Angeles aims to inject youth into its backcourt alongside Kawhi Leonard. The deal comes just weeks before the NBA trade deadline on February 6, 2026.

Background

The Clippers have been dealing with uncertainty around Harden for weeks. Reports surfaced that Harden pushed for a change after early season struggles, even surprising teammate Kawhi Leonard. Los Angeles sits 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference standings but has played better lately. Losing Chris Paul earlier this year added to their shifts, and Harden's desire to leave created tension behind the scenes.

Cleveland, meanwhile, has hovered around mediocrity this season despite a talented core. The Cavaliers feature Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Garland, but injuries and poor three-point defense have held them back. They allow the highest three-point percentage in the league. Fans and analysts have called for changes, including breaking up the Mitchell-Garland pairing to improve balance. Garland, a popular All-Star when healthy, recently returned from injury but has not lifted the team out of its rut.

Talk of this exact swap gained steam in recent days. Discussions between the Clippers and Cavaliers heated up, driven by Cleveland's need for a proven playmaker and LA's focus on long-term flexibility into 2027. Both teams viewed the trade as a reset, though not everyone agrees it fits perfectly.

Key Details

The trade is straightforward: Harden goes to Cleveland for Garland straight up, with no additional players or picks mentioned at this stage. Harden, 36, brings 17 years of experience, including a recent stint with the Clippers where he averaged solid numbers despite the team's ups and downs. Garland, 25, heads to LA locked in for two more seasons beyond this one.

Player Profiles and Recent Form

Harden joined the Clippers last summer hoping for another title run. He has handled the ball alongside Leonard and Paul George, but the fit has not always clicked. In 40 games this season, he posts 22 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, shooting efficiently from deep. His leadership could ease pressure on Mitchell in Cleveland.

Garland, drafted fifth overall in 2019, became a key piece for the Cavs. This year, health issues limited him early, but he has rounded into form lately with 18 points and 7 assists per game. His size at 6-foot-3 has hurt Cleveland's perimeter defense, a glaring weakness.

Team Standings and Motivations

The Cavaliers sit seventh in the East, fighting for a direct playoff spot. Adding Harden gives them a second ball-handler to share duties with Mitchell, who recently welcomed teammate Schröder to lighten his load. Cleveland's front office sees Harden as a bet on experience around Mobley and Allen.

The Clippers, fourth in the West, prioritize youth. Trading Harden makes them 10 years younger at point guard. Garland pairs well with Leonard, offering growth potential. LA wants cap flexibility for 2027 free agency, avoiding long-term commitments that limit moves.

"This looks like a forced move for James. They've been dealing with this quietly for weeks." – Former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins on Run It Back show

What This Means

For Cleveland, Harden's arrival changes their offensive look. He thrives in pick-and-roll sets, which could open lanes for Mobley and Allen. Mitchell and Harden both need touches, but their scoring styles complement each other—Mitchell's drives and Harden's pull-ups. Defensively, Garland's departure helps on the perimeter, though Harden is no lockdown guy. The Cavs bet big on contending now, banking on Harden's playoffs savvy to push past the second round, where they have stalled.

Los Angeles gains a young star who can grow with Leonard. Garland's playmaking fits their system, and his contract provides stability. However, some question if he solves their depth issues against top teams like the Nuggets or Thunder. The Clippers aim for 2027 flexibility, shedding Harden's expiring deal for Garland's longer-term control. They recently added guards like Schröder elsewhere, but this trade signals a pivot.

League-wide, this deal sparks more activity before the deadline. Teams like the Lakers and Bucks watch closely as contenders shuffle decks. Cleveland's move over the second apron limits future trades, forcing reliance on health and chemistry. LA's youth infusion could extend their contention window if Leonard stays healthy.

Both rosters shift dramatically. Cavaliers fans split on losing Garland's homegrown appeal, while Clippers supporters welcome the reset. Players report to new cities today, with first practices expected by week's end. The NBA season rolls on, and this trade sets the tone for the stretch run.