Cavaliers and Clippers Face Off as Harden Trade Rumors Swirl

Potential Harden-Garland swap could shake up rosters before trade deadline

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:55am

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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers are set to face off on Wednesday, with the potential for a blockbuster trade involving star guard James Harden looming. Harden has not played in the Clippers' last two games due to 'personal' reasons, and reports indicate he could be headed to the Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland. The game could feature some familiar faces in new places, depending on if and when the trade is completed before the upcoming trade deadline.

Why it matters

This potential trade would shake up the rosters of both the Cavaliers and Clippers, with Harden and Garland being All-Star caliber players. The outcome of the game could be heavily impacted depending on which team Harden ends up playing for, and the trade deadline is just a day after this matchup, adding extra intrigue.

The details

The Cavaliers are coming off a 130-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, led by a career-high 40 points and 17 rebounds from center Jarrett Allen. The Clippers, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a 128-113 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, in which Kawhi Leonard was held to just 0-of-5 shooting in the opening quarter. If the Harden-Garland trade is completed in time, it could mean one or both players suiting up for their new teams in this matchup.

  • The Cavaliers and Clippers are scheduled to play on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, February 5, 2026, less than 24 hours after this game.

The players

James Harden

A 36-year-old 11-time NBA All-Star guard who has not played in the Clippers' last two games due to 'personal' reasons.

Darius Garland

A 26-year-old 2-time NBA All-Star guard for the Cavaliers who has missed the team's last 9 games with a toe sprain.

Kawhi Leonard

A 7-time NBA All-Star forward for the Clippers who scored 29 points in their loss to the 76ers.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center who scored a career-high 40 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in their win over the Trail Blazers.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star player who had a below-average 14-point game in their win over the Trail Blazers.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to be on a winning team. (The Cavaliers) are a great team with some good pieces. I'm playing hard every night and being a great teammate. I feel like I just play winning basketball night in and night out.”

— Keon Ellis, Cavaliers guard

“It was a surprise... I respect his decision, or whoever's decision it is. He's still going to be my boy, and I trust the front office.”

— Kawhi Leonard

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This potential blockbuster trade between the Cavaliers and Clippers adds extra intrigue to their matchup, as the rosters of both teams could look significantly different depending on if and when the deal is completed. The outcome of the game could have major implications for both franchises as they jockey for playoff position.