The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade veteran guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland, according to multiple reports confirmed Tuesday.
The deal, first reported by ESPN and Yahoo Sports, comes amid Harden’s desire for a long-term contract extension that the Clippers were unwilling to provide. Harden, 36, signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract with Los Angeles prior to the 2025 season, but only $13.3 million of the second year is guaranteed. Sources told ESPN that Harden sought a fully guaranteed two-year, $80 million deal after this season, leading to the trade request.
The Clippers, sitting at 23-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, have struggled this season with a 6-21 start. Harden, an 11-time All-Star and the 2018 MVP, has averaged strong numbers despite the team’s woes, posting his best scoring output in recent years and ranking near the top of the league in assists. The trade marks Harden’s fifth move since 2021, following stints with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and now Clippers — three of which involved trade demands.
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
For Cleveland, the acquisition adds experience to a roster aiming for championship contention. The Cavaliers have expressed interest in Harden as a way to bolster their backcourt, with Garland’s recent injuries and inconsistent play factoring into the discussions. Garland, 26, has been hampered by foot issues this season but remains a young talent with All-Star potential. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Harden prioritizes joining a team offering multi-year stability and a shot at a title, aligning with Cleveland’s goals.
The trade also navigates salary cap constraints under the league’s luxury tax apron rules. Harden’s $39.2 million salary fits closely with Garland’s, allowing the deal to proceed without major additional pieces. If finalized, Harden could earn a $2.3 million bonus from the Clippers upon the trade.
Clippers officials were reportedly “stunned” by Harden’s push to leave, per ClutchPoints, after a scandal-free tenure where he delivered solid performances. The Cavaliers play in Los Angeles on Wednesday, potentially adding intrigue to the matchup.
Social Media Reactions
The proposed swap sparked immediate debate on X, formerly known as Twitter, with fans divided on its impact for both teams.
Cleveland fan @RayRay33O expressed concern over team chemistry: “Physically sick and so worried. I don’t wanna see the cancer that’s Harden on a team with top notch chemistry. He destroyed what the Nets wanted to build and When Philly gave up assets to get him he forced a trade out of there after blowing it in the playoffs. This is so dumb!”
Another Cavaliers supporter, @taylortolliver, showed excitement despite the late-night news: “ISNT IT EXCITING!? im one of 21345 cavs fans on X right now that didnt get to go to sleep. this deal has to be pretty much close to done with the details we have. james harden is kind of a meme but hes an upgrade even at 37. i hate losing darius but i want to win.”
User @officialKaranK questioned the fit for Cleveland: “harden bouta be a cav??.. good trade for clippers, they’ll get younger but not for the cavs. getting rid of garland who is a young player for a old james harden just don’t sound too good for cleveland. don’t get me wrong harden is still a great player now.”
Harden supporters celebrated the move, with @TrevorMartinTho noting: “Harden fans are so happy to leave Clippers to join Cavs. And I get why. Anyway James was a great Clipper. I didn’t expect this zero scandal and good performances. But he did really great. Once a Clipper, always a Clipper.”
Brian Windhorst’s comments on the deal’s momentum drew attention, as shared by @HaterReport: “There is real momentum for this. Darius Garland is getting in his head that he’s gonna be a Clipper. James Harden is getting in his head that he’s gonna be a Cav.”
