Cavaliers Acquire James Harden to Boost Playoff Hopes

Cavaliers president Koby Altman believes Harden's addition will raise the team's ceiling and lead to postseason success.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden in a trade that sent Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers. Cavaliers president Koby Altman believes Harden's arrival will improve the team's chances of playoff success, despite the Cavaliers already playing well this season. The Cavaliers also added Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in separate deals.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers have been one of the surprise teams in the Eastern Conference this season, but Altman felt they needed to make a big move to truly contend. Harden's addition gives them a proven superstar who can take them to the next level in the playoffs.

The details

In the trade, the Cavaliers sent Darius Garland, a two-time All-Star, to the Clippers to acquire Harden. Garland has battled foot injuries this season. The Cavaliers also added Schroder and Ellis in separate deals, bolstering their depth. Despite the Harden trade, the Cavaliers were able to lower their overall luxury tax bill with the moves.

  • The Clippers reached out to the Cavaliers last month to gauge their interest in trading for Harden.
  • Harden's Cavaliers debut could come Saturday at Sacramento.
  • The Cavaliers (31-21) are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, but only 2 1/2 games out of second place.

The players

James Harden

An 11-time NBA All-Star who the Cavaliers acquired in a trade to boost their playoff chances.

Koby Altman

The president of basketball operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who orchestrated the trade for Harden.

Darius Garland

A two-time All-Star who the Cavaliers traded to the Clippers as part of the deal to acquire Harden.

Dennis Schroder

A veteran guard the Cavaliers acquired in a separate deal to add depth to their roster.

Keon Ellis

A young player the Cavaliers acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings.

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What they’re saying

“We think that he raises our ceiling and gives us a chance to have real playoff success. This is not a trade that we took lightly, but we do know that James is going to help us and so we're excited to welcome him.”

— Koby Altman, President of Basketball Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers

“Obviously, we made a monumental trade to land James Harden. We think that he raises our ceiling and gives us a chance to have real playoff success.”

— Koby Altman, President of Basketball Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers

What’s next

Harden's Cavaliers debut could come Saturday at Sacramento as the team looks to continue its climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers have made a bold move to acquire a superstar in James Harden, showing their commitment to contending for a championship this season. The team believes Harden's addition will raise their playoff ceiling and give them a better chance at postseason success.