Clippers Trade James Harden to Cavaliers for Darius Garland

All-Star guard Harden joins Cleveland, Cavs send two-time All-Star Garland to LA

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:47pm

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The Los Angeles Clippers have traded 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for two-time All-Star guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick. Harden, a former MVP, averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds for the Clippers this season before the trade. Garland, 26, has been sidelined since January with a toe injury but has averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists per game for the Cavaliers this season.

Why it matters

This trade brings another elite playmaker and scorer to the Cavaliers as they make a push for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. For the Clippers, the move allows them to get younger at the point guard position with the 26-year-old Garland, who is in the third year of a five-year contract.

The details

The Clippers held Harden out of the lineup the last two games for personal reasons before completing the trade. Harden, 36, had to approve the deal since he has a player option for next season. The Cavaliers are currently 30-21 and in contention in the East, while the Clippers hold a play-in spot in the West at 23-26.

  • The trade was completed on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • Harden had been held out of the Clippers' lineup for the last two games prior to the trade.

The players

James Harden

A 36-year-old 11-time NBA All-Star and former MVP who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Darius Garland

A 26-year-old two-time NBA All-Star point guard who was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and all-NBA talent to our roster. We are excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations.”

— Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations

“We are trying to get younger while continuing to win, and Darius allows us to do both. He is a two-time All-Star who just turned 26 and a highly skilled point guard with excellent feel. Darius is an adept shooter and passer, a quick decision-maker and a respected teammate who has shown the ability to run an elite offense.”

— Lawrence Frank, Clippers President of Basketball Operations

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to integrate Harden into their lineup as they make a push for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, while the Clippers will aim to build around the younger Garland as they try to improve their standing in the Western Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

This trade represents a changing of the guard at the point guard position, with the veteran Harden heading to Cleveland to join a contender, while the Clippers get younger and more dynamic with the acquisition of Garland. It's a deal that could have significant implications for both teams' playoff aspirations this season.