According to Sports Illustrated, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have advanced talks on a trade that would send Darius Garland to Cleveland in exchange for James Harden.
Former All-Star guards would be exchanged in the transaction. This season, Harden, 36, has been a mainstay for the Clippers, averaging 25.4 points in 35.4 minutes per game. This season, 26-year-old Garland has struggled with injuries. He has been out since January 16 due to an ankle sprain and missed Cleveland’s opening seven games while recuperating from offseason toe surgery. Garland has averaged 18 points per game this season.
On Monday, Harden was not included in the Los Angeles lineup. Harden was absent from the squad due to personal issues, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue informed reporters.
According to sources who spoke to SI, the Cavaliers have urged the Clippers to add draft capital in negotiations, hoping for a future trade or a first-round pick. Los Angeles has turned down those requests due of its minimal draft assets.
