The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers are in advanced discussions over a potential James Harden trade, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. The proposed deal would swap Harden, 36, for Darius Garland, 26, marking a rare exchange of former All-Star guards.
Harden has been a primary contributor for the Clippers this season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 35.4 minutes per game. Garland, meanwhile, has struggled with injuries, missing the first seven games recovering from toe surgery and sidelined since January 16 with an ankle sprain. On the season, Garland is averaging 18 points per game.
Sources tell SI that the Cavaliers are pushing for draft compensation as part of the trade, seeking either a first-round pick or a future pick swap. The Clippers, who have limited draft assets, have so far declined those requests. Harden is in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million contract with a player option for next season, while Garland is in the third year of a five-year, $197 million deal.
Los Angeles currently sits ninth in the Western Conference at 23-26, placing the team in the play-in picture rather than true title contention. Kawhi Leonard has performed at an All-NBA level, but the roster has faced inconsistency on both ends of the floor. Harden was absent from Monday’s lineup for personal reasons, according to Clippers coach Tyronn Lue.
Cleveland enters the week fifth in the Eastern Conference at 30-21 and has already made moves ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring Keon Ellis, Emanuel Miller, and Dennis Schroder while sending De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento. The Cavaliers’ front office sees Harden as a veteran scorer and facilitator who could complement Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley for a deeper playoff run.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reports that Harden and the Clippers are aligned in discussions with interested teams, with the Cavaliers standing out as a serious contender. Harden holds a no-trade clause, giving him final approval on any potential deal, adding complexity to negotiations.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, both teams are evaluating whether a swap meets their short-term and long-term goals. Cleveland hopes to add proven scoring experience for a playoff push, while Los Angeles weighs reshaping its roster for the future.
