Cavaliers Shake Up Roster Ahead of Trade Deadline

Cleveland makes multiple moves, including blockbuster deal for James Harden

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:31am

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been active ahead of the NBA trade deadline, making three trades that have significantly reshaped their roster. The team traded forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, star guard Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for James Harden, and guard Lonzo Ball along with two draft picks to the Utah Jazz.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' flurry of trades signals a shift in their long-term strategy, as they look to build a contender around new acquisition James Harden. The moves free up salary cap space and add depth, but also break up Cleveland's young core of Garland, Mobley and others.

The details

In the first deal, the Cavaliers sent forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder. This move added depth to Cleveland's backcourt while also providing salary cap relief. The blockbuster trade saw the Cavs swap Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick for James Harden of the Clippers. Finally, Cleveland traded Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, who are expected to waive Ball.

  • The NBA trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. ET on February 5, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers made their first trade on February 3, 2026, sending De'Andre Hunter to the Kings.
  • The Cavaliers traded Darius Garland to the Clippers for James Harden on February 4, 2026.
  • The Cavaliers traded Lonzo Ball and two draft picks to the Jazz on February 4, 2026.

The players

De'Andre Hunter

A forward who was traded from the Cavaliers to the Sacramento Kings.

Keon Ellis

A guard acquired by the Cavaliers from the Sacramento Kings.

Dennis Schroder

A guard acquired by the Cavaliers from the Sacramento Kings.

Darius Garland

A star guard traded by the Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

James Harden

A veteran guard acquired by the Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lonzo Ball

A guard traded by the Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz.

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What they’re saying

“This has already been an active deadline, with several stars and future Hall of Famers being dealt to new teams as contenders try to position themselves for deep playoff runs.”

— Ryan Lewis, Reporter (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers still have the option to pursue a trade for Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, which would require significant assets like Evan Mobley. They could also explore a reunion with LeBron James, though that is more likely to happen in the offseason.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' flurry of trades at the deadline signals a shift in their strategy, as they look to build a contender around new acquisition James Harden. The moves free up salary cap space and add depth, but also break up Cleveland's young core, indicating the team is ready to compete for a championship in the near future.