L.A. Clippers Trade James Harden To Cleveland Cavaliers For Darius Garland
DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 28: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after a three-point basket in the first half against the Dallas Mavericks during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at American Airlines Center on April 28, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Clippers have traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round NBA Draft pick, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal had been rumored earlier Tuesday.
Harden, 36, has a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but Charania reported only $13 million is guaranteed.
Harden has now switched teams four times in five years.
“James Harden wants to be in a win-now situation, he made that clear to the Clippers,” Charania said on air. “And also somewhere where he had a longer-term future. Next season and beyond was not promised for him in L.A. He viewed Cleveland as fitting both those criteria, as far as a win-now potential chance as well as a longer-term future there.”
Harden and Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell “have already connected,” Charania reported.
“James Harden has spoken to Donovan Mitchell, and both seem very excited about this partnership,” he said.
Harden has already played with prolific scoring threats like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard.
The Cavaliers have already traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, and are attempting to maximize their window to capture another NBA championship.
The Clippers, meantime, get a 26-year old Garland, who was averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists before going down dealing with a Grade 1 right great toe sprain on Jan. 14.
Garland is making about $39 million this season, and is due to make $42 million in 2026-27.
Cleveland (30-21) is currently the No. 5 seed in the East, and visits the Clippers Thursday.
Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, and has been a key cog for the surging Clippers (23-26), currently the No. 9 seed in the West.
Harden has a no trade clause but has never won an NBA title despite moving around to play with contending teams.
An 11-time All-Star and the 2018 NBA MVP, he has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and the Clippers without winning a title.
He has also under-performed in the postseason, and has only played in the NBA Finals once, in 2012 with the Thunder.
“At this point in my career it’s not about money, it’s not about anything else, it’s about having a chance of reaching the ultimate goal,” he said in 2021 after forcing his way out of Houston for Brooklyn. “It’s the winning at the highest level.”
