The Cleveland Cavaliers completed a major trade on Tuesday, acquiring veteran star James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.

Harden, now in his 17th NBA season, is enjoying one of his strongest campaigns in recent years, averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game — his highest scoring output since the 2019–20 season. The former MVP is expected to bring additional firepower and playmaking to a Cavaliers team with championship ambitions.

In return, the Clippers receive a talented young guard in Garland, who is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists through 26 appearances this season. The 26-year-old has dealt with multiple toe injuries and is currently listed as day-to-day after missing Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Harden, 36, carries a $42.3 million player option for the 2026–27 season and will now suit up for his sixth NBA franchise. He spent the previous two-and-a-half years with the Clippers after arriving from Philadelphia.

Garland, a key contributor to Cleveland’s impressive 2024–25 campaign, remains under contract for two more seasons and is set to earn $42.1 million next year and $44.8 million in 2026–27. He earned his second All-Star selection last season after averaging 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Both players could make their debuts for their new teams when the Cavaliers and Clippers face off in their upcoming matchup.

Harden’s Career Journey

James Harden began his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012. He was traded to the Houston Rockets later that year, where he established himself as one of the league’s elite scorers.

During his nine seasons in Houston, Harden earned nine consecutive All-Star selections, seven All-NBA honors, and three MVP runner-up finishes. He also captured three straight scoring titles from 2017 to 2019, averaging 30.4, 36.1, and 34.3 points per game, respectively. In 2016, he led the league in assists with 11.2 per game.

Houston traded Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in 2021, where he spent parts of two seasons before moving to the Philadelphia 76ers. With Philadelphia, he led the league in assists again in 2023, averaging 10.7 per game, before being traded to the Clippers.

Now in Cleveland, Harden continues to climb the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He currently ranks 11th with 28,805 career points and sits just 776 points behind Hall of Famer Moses Malone for 10th place.