Clippers Trade James Harden To Cavaliers For Darius Garland In Win-Now Move

James Harden is changing teams again, with the 2017-18 league MVP traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a major deal. The Los Angeles Clippers are sending Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, according

to multiple media reports. The move links Harden with a team chasing an Eastern Conference title, while Cleveland parts with an injured core guard.

Harden, now 36, had missed the Clippers’ previous two games. The official injury report listed personal reasons, while several league insiders reported that Harden asked to join a team with stronger short-term prospects. That backdrop shaped negotiations between Harden and the Clippers before the agreement with Cleveland.

Harden is producing strong numbers this season despite the off-court uncertainty. Through 44 games, Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game. Harden is shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three-point range, showing continued scoring impact and playmaking value at this stage of Harden’s career.

The trade also gives the Clippers a younger lead guard in Garland, who is 26 and under long-term team control. Garland is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists this season, providing a solid offensive base when healthy. The former fifth overall pick offers development potential for the Clippers’ future plans.

Player	Age	Team After Trade	2025-26 Points Per Game	2025-26 Assists Per Game
James Harden	36	Cleveland Cavaliers	25.4	8.1
Darius Garland	26	Los Angeles Clippers	18.0	6.9

Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days -- resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future. https://t.co/JM2tYr6lofShams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

The Cavaliers entered this season expecting to challenge for the Eastern Conference crown, especially with several star players injured across the conference. Cleveland started slowly despite those hopes but has improved. The Cavaliers have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games and stand fifth in the East with a 30-21 record.

Garland’s fitness has been a concern throughout that stretch for Cleveland. Garland has appeared in only 26 games because of foot and toe problems that date back to late last season. From early December through mid-January, Garland played 18 straight games and seemed over the lingering left toe issue, before suffering a new right toe injury.

James Harden trade follows major Clippers and Cavaliers roster moves

Garland has not played since 16 January due to that right toe problem, which raised questions about Cleveland’s depth in the backcourt. The Cavaliers had already moved to reshape the roster on Sunday, when the team traded forward DeAndre Hunter. Cleveland acquired Keon Ellis and Dennis Schrder from the Sacramento Kings through a three-team agreement.

For the Clippers, this latest move completes a mid-season shift after a poor opening run. Los Angeles started the campaign at 6-21 and sat near the bottom of the Western Conference. Since then, the Clippers have won 17 of their last 22 games, pushing back into contention for a place in the play-in tournament and now adding Garland as a key long-term piece.

The Harden-Garland trade changes the immediate ambitions of both franchises, with Cleveland securing an experienced scorer for a conference push and the Clippers adding a younger playmaker. Each team now adjusts rotations and strategies around these moves as the season continues, with performances and health likely to decide how successful this high-profile exchange becomes.