The Los Angeles Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, February 3, in a blockbuster mid-season swap that pairs the 36-year-old 11-time All-Star with Donovan Mitchell in what the Cavaliers hope is the final piece to their championship puzzle. The Clippers received Darius Garland and a second-round pick in return.
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news via X on Tuesday.
“BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards,” Charania wrote.
Harden is in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million deal signed with the Clippers in 2025. He carries a $42.3 million player option for next season, of which only $13.3 million is guaranteed. The point guard holds trade veto power due to his implicit no-trade clause, a protection given to players who re-sign on one-year or two-year contracts with player options.
To facilitate the deal, Harden made massive financial concessions. He waived his no-trade clause and agreed to reduce his $2.3 million trade bonus to just $266,397, allowing the Cavaliers, who are currently $15 million over the second apron, to complete the trade without cap complications.
The waiver also changed his contract status from Early Bird to Non-Bird rights, which could affect his future contract negotiations.
Why Did the Clippers Trade James Harden?
The Clippers sit below .500 and are looking forward to restructuring in summer 2027, when the franchise will gain substantial salary cap flexibility. They are far from the championship contention, and Harden was reportedly unhappy with the organization’s direction. So, both parties decided to cut ties. However, according to insider Ramona Shelburne, Harden did not ask for a trade.
The Clippers have only one guaranteed contract beyond next season (Ivica Zubac). They are looking at a nearly clean slate heading into free agency. Trading Harden midseason gave them flexibility, while Garland, 26 and under contract through 2028, provides them with a talented youngster.
Why Did the Cavaliers Acquire James Harden?
Cleveland entered the trade deadline at 30-21 (fifth in the Eastern Conference) after winning eight of its last 10 games. The Cavaliers’ primary motivation was to secure Donovan Mitchell’s future. Mitchell holds a $53.8 million player option for 2027-28 and becomes an unrestricted free agent if he opts out in 2027.
By adding Harden’s elite playmaking to Mitchell’s scoring, Cleveland aims to make a deeper postseason run. Reports suggest that the Cavaliers explored targets, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, before shifting to the 2018 NBA MVP.
The addition particularly benefits big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who will operate in the space created by Harden’s playmaking.
Cavaliers-Clippers James Harden Trade Grade
ESPN graded Cleveland’s move a B, pointing out the offensive strength Harden provides after ranking eighth in offensive rating. The Clippers received a B-, as they traded an All-Star during a stretch where they had climbed back toward play-in contention.
