LA Clippers Trade Harden To Cleveland Cavaliers In Exchange For Darius Garland And...

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, US media reported on Tuesday, during a busy day of deal-making as the NBA trade deadline neared.

Former NBA Most Valuable Player Harden is heading to Cleveland in exchange for Cavs star Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.

This move is seen as beneficial for both teams, with 36-year-old Harden joining a Cleveland team poised for a postseason run, while the Clippers acquire the 26-year-old Garland with a focus on the future.

“I didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Haden said.

“In Cleveland I see an opportunity to win in the East. So as much as I wanted

to stay in LA and give it a go—I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind I think we have a bit better chance,” he added.

Harden’s addition provides Cleveland with another potent offensive weapon alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Harden, despite being one of the most decorated players in the league, has never won an NBA championship. He is currently averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game this season.

News of the Harden deal came amid a flurry of reported moves on Tuesday as the NBA’s Thursday trade deadline approaches.

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly sending star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player deal.

Jackson’s Memphis teammates John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. are also heading to Utah, with Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hedricks, and Georges Niang moving to Memphis. The Grizzlies will also receive multiple future draft picks.

The Boston Celtics are strengthening their roster by acquiring Chicago Bulls All-Star centre Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Anfernee Simons.

The Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons have recruited Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric in a multi-team deal involving Chicago and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

(With Inputs From Agencies)