James Harden to Cleveland: A Surprise Trade in the Works
The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers are actively negotiating a trade involving James Harden and Darius Garland before Thursday's trade deadline, according to multiple NBA sources.
Photo Credit : © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
One of the most surprising developments of this trade deadline could involve James Harden. According to multiple sources, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Clippers are engaged in advanced discussions for a trade involving the 36-year-old veteran point guard and Darius Garland.
This news has sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, especially since the Clippers appeared to have found their rhythm. After a disastrous start to the season with only 6 wins in 27 games, the California franchise had turned things around with an impressive 17 wins over their last 21 games, climbing to eighth place in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden are working through whether the sides can find a deal by Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, sources tell ESPN. Both sides are aligned in conversations together and with interested teams. pic.twitter.com/XzvCz0fc4w
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Surprising Timing for The Beard
James Harden, who has missed the last two games for « personal reasons » according to coach Tyronn Lue, is actually having a remarkable season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. According to advanced statistics, the Clippers’ offense is nearly 12 points more efficient per 100 possessions with him on the court.
The mutual interest between Harden and his franchise to explore a trade is all the more surprising since there had been no indication of any discontent from the player. This situation does recall The Beard’s history, however, as he previously requested trades from Houston in December 2020, Brooklyn in January 2022, and then Philadelphia in June 2023.
Cleveland Searching for an Experienced Point Guard
For the Cavaliers, fifth in the Eastern Conference with 8 wins in their last 10 games, Harden’s arrival would address a critical need at the point guard position. Darius Garland, who has missed eight games with a toe sprain, has played only 26 games this season. His absence forces Donovan Mitchell to handle 40% of his minutes as the primary point guard, which negatively impacts the team’s offensive efficiency.
The trade also presents a financial interest for Cleveland. Both players earn $39 million for the 2025-2026 season, but moving on from Garland would allow the Cavaliers to save $86 million over 2027 and 2028. The Ohio franchise is currently $34 million over the luxury tax threshold.
Kawhi Leonard on the James Harden trade reports:
« I have no comment on it. I respect his decision, or whoever’s decision it is. That’s it. He’s still going to be my boy. I trust the front office. »
(via @Farbod_E)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 3, 2026
Harden does have veto power over any trade, however, as his contract situation grants him an implicit no-trade clause. With a partially guaranteed player option of $42.3 million for 2026-2027, the former MVP could see this trade as an opportunity to secure his financial future while joining a competitive team in the East.
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