Cavaliers Acquire James Harden, Boosting NBA Title Hopes

Cleveland's midseason trade for the veteran star could propel them to the NBA Finals

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Cleveland Cavaliers made a major move at the NBA trade deadline, acquiring veteran guard James Harden in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round pick. The Cavaliers, currently fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, are hoping Harden's scoring prowess and playmaking ability will help them make a deep playoff run and potentially reach the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season.

Why it matters

The Harden trade is a high-risk, high-reward move for the Cavaliers, who are looking to capitalize on their recent success and take the next step towards an NBA championship. Harden is a proven superstar, but his advanced age and injury history raise questions about how much he has left in the tank. If the gamble pays off, the Cavaliers could emerge as the top threat to the powerhouses in the Eastern Conference.

The details

In the blockbuster deal, the Cavaliers sent promising young point guard Darius Garland and a future second-round pick to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Harden. The 36-year-old Harden is averaging 25 points and 8.2 assists per game this season, and the Cavaliers are hoping his scoring prowess and playmaking ability will complement their existing core of Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.

  • The Cavaliers made the trade at the NBA's February 9th trade deadline.
  • Cleveland is 34-21 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings at the midway point of the 2026 NBA season.

The players

James Harden

A 36-year-old veteran guard who is in the midst of one of his best scoring seasons in the past five years, averaging 25 points and 8.2 assists per game.

Darius Garland

A promising young point guard who the Cavaliers traded to the Houston Rockets as part of the deal to acquire Harden.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star shooting guard, who will form a lethal scoring duo with Harden.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center, who provides a strong interior presence to complement the team's backcourt.

Evan Mobley

The Cavaliers' talented young power forward, who is part of the team's promising core alongside Mitchell and Allen.

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What they’re saying

“We must make the most of the short-lived Harden era. This is the most important season in recent history for the Cavaliers.”

— Matt Boecker, Sports Writer (cleveland.com)

“The lethal scoring combo of Harden and Donovan Mitchell is the type of star power required to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs.”

— Matt Boecker, Sports Writer (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to integrate Harden into their lineup and make a push for the NBA Finals, with the team's success potentially hinging on how well the veteran guard can mesh with the team's existing core.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' acquisition of James Harden is a high-risk, high-reward move that could propel them to new heights in the NBA, but the team must make the most of Harden's potentially limited time in Cleveland to have a chance at winning the championship.