The Los Angeles Clippers have traded James Harden in exchange to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second round pick. 

Rumors of the trade first emerged Monday while the Clippers were still playing against the Philadelphia 76ers and discussions had apparently been going on for some time to send Harden away.

The news comes as a major surprise considering the Clippers recent success and earlier indications that they would be retaining their major superstars.

Harden, an 11-time All-Star, was in his third season with the Clippers and was a major part of keeping the Clippers afloat during their disappointing start to the season. 

Harden has been having another stellar season, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He's also signed to an expensive two-year, $81 million contract that he signed ahead of this season and removing that from the books gives the Clippers slightly more cap flexibility.

As one half of a duo with Kawhi Leonard, Harden was signed to Los Angeles as part of what Clippers ownership promised would be a new era of championship contention for the organization.

That promise never materialized and the Clippers never made it further than the opening round of the playoffs in the two full seasons that Harden played with the team. 

The Cavaliers are the sixth team that Harden will play for in his career and his third team in the last four seasons. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers have a 30-21 record and stand out as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

The addition of Harden represents Cleveland's push to compete in a relatively open conference and makes them serious contenders for the NBA crown. 

Garland, a 26-year-old two-timer All-Star guard, is signed through the 2027-28 season on rookie maximum contract. Garland is averaging 18 points, 6.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game this season and represents a major step towards the Clippers investing in their future and shifting away from a "win now" mentality. 

With the emergence of players like Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders this season, it's clear that the Clippers recognize the wealth of young talent they have available on the roster and still waiting for them in the G-League and with the addition of Garland, Los Angeles is investing in a young core that could build toward a future. 

Harden won't have to go long without seeing his old team as the Clippers' next game is Wednesday against none other the Cavaliers at home in the Intuit Dome.