NBA Playoff Race: Cavs Emerge as East Favorites After Harden Trade

Harden's arrival in Cleveland shakes up the Eastern Conference playoff picture

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Eastern Conference playoff race remains wide open. While the Detroit Pistons have been a surprise this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have made a big move to bolster their roster by acquiring James Harden in a trade. This could make the Cavs the new favorites in the East, though questions remain about how Harden will fit with Donovan Mitchell and the team's frontcourt. Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers all have their own questions to answer as the push to the NBA Finals heats up.

Why it matters

The Eastern Conference is as competitive as it's been in years, with several teams vying for the top spot. The Harden trade to the Cavaliers shakes up the landscape, potentially making Cleveland the new favorites in the East. However, Harden's playoff history and fit with the Cavs' roster create uncertainty. This sets up an intriguing final stretch of the regular season and potentially an exciting postseason in the East.

The details

The Cavaliers acquired James Harden in a trade that sent Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers. The move is aimed at easing the playmaking burden on Donovan Mitchell and giving the Cavs a proven scorer and facilitator to pair with their young core of Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. However, Harden's history of underwhelming playoff performances raises questions about whether this move will truly elevate Cleveland to title contender status.

  • The NBA trade deadline passed on February 9, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers and Knicks are set to face off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

James Harden

A 10-time NBA All-Star and former MVP who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the trade deadline.

Donovan Mitchell

The star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will now have to adjust to playing alongside the ball-dominant Harden.

Evan Mobley

The promising young big man for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will look to benefit from Harden's playmaking ability.

Daryl Morey

The general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been criticized for some of his team's deadline moves.

Cade Cunningham

The young star leading the surprising Detroit Pistons, who decided not to make any major moves at the deadline.

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What they’re saying

“We must see how Harden and Mitchell co-exist, and whether Harden can elevate the Cavaliers' frontcourt play. His playoff history is a concern, but this move gives Cleveland a chance to make a deep run.”

— Tim Bontemps, ESPN NBA Analyst (abc7ny.com)

“The Knicks and 76ers first-round playoff matchup would be must-see TV, with the enmity between Harden and Morey adding extra drama.”

— Tim Bontemps, ESPN NBA Analyst (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

The judge in the Harden trade case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the deal to be finalized.

The takeaway

The Eastern Conference playoff race is as wide open as it's been in years, with the Cavaliers' acquisition of James Harden potentially making them the new favorites. However, questions remain about Harden's fit and playoff performance, setting up an intriguing final stretch of the regular season and postseason in the East.