James Harden headed to Cleveland in blockbuster trade involving Darius Garland 

The LA Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just swap star guards — they exchanged timelines.

In a move that reshapes both franchises’ direction, the Clippers agreed to send James Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday. The deal caps days of behind-the-scenes talks as Harden and the Clippers worked toward a mutual separation that ultimately aligned with what each side needed most.

For Harden, it’s another calculated shift toward contention. At 36, he remains one of the league’s most productive offensive engines, and Cleveland offers him something the Clippers could no longer promise with certainty: a clearer path to meaningful postseason success.

 Pairing Harden with Donovan Mitchell instantly gives the Cavaliers two elite shot creators capable of bending defenses in different ways — a gamble aimed squarely at raising their ceiling in a crowded Eastern Conference race.

Cleveland’s willingness to make the move reflects urgency. Sitting at 30-21, the Cavaliers see Harden not as a short-term rental, but as a catalytic piece who can unlock playoff versatility they’ve lacked in recent runs.

 His ability to score, control tempo, and create for others gives Cleveland another layer when games slow down in May.

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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

Harden, who sat out Sunday’s win in Phoenix and Monday’s home loss to Philadelphia for personal reasons, arrives still playing at a high level. In his 17th NBA season, he’s averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists — numbers that underscore how far removed he is from a decline narrative. His production has been central to the Clippers’ recovery from a brutal 6-21 start, making the decision to move him less about performance and more about direction.

That direction now shifts toward Garland for Los Angeles.

At 26, Garland represents both a reset and an investment. Though sidelined since Jan. 14 with a right foot injury, the two-time All-Star gives the Clippers a younger lead guard who can grow alongside — or eventually succeed — their veteran core. His arrival signals that L.A. is no longer exclusively chasing the immediate window but trying to balance competitiveness with sustainability.

Garland’s impact in Cleveland went far beyond box scores. Drafted in 2019 after LeBron James’ departure, he became the face of the franchise’s rebuild, blossoming into a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Injuries and postseason frustrations clouded recent seasons, but his best years — including a 20.6-point, 6.7-assist All-Star campaign while shooting 40% from three — offer a reminder of his upside.

Financially, Garland also brings stability, with two years and nearly $90 million remaining on the five-year extension he signed in 2022.

For the Clippers, the move closes a chapter that produced playoff appearances but no deep runs. For the Cavaliers, it opens one filled with pressure — and possibility.

Both teams made their bet. The rest will be decided in the spring.

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