Los Angeles Clippers star guard James Harden is moving on to his sixth NBA team in a massive splash trade with Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Los Angeles Clippers indicated that they were looking to deal away their 11-time All-Star, which came as a surprise given the team’s recent success. And they worked together with their star to find a place, as Clippers guard James Harden essentially had veto power over a trade. The rumored landing place is where Harden will finish out this NBA season, as Los Angeles traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. Harden was in his third season with the Clippers and played a solid role in helping them bounce back from a poor season start.
However, the Cavs present a championship window of opportunity for Harden to slot in immediately, as the 36-year-old continues to perform at a high level. He has averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Los Angeles, in return, gets the 26-year-old Garland who is a two-time All-Star himself and can help them build a more long-term future. The Clippers also recoup some financial flexibility after removing Harden’s two-year, $81 million contract from the books.
Here is the full story from Clippers Roundtable writer Jack Haslett on the stunning deal for the All-Star and what Los Angeles will look to do after this move.
Harden now joins a 30-21 Cleveland squad who can now strongly contend for the Eastern Conference title. It pairs up Harden with star Donovan Mitchell. It will mark Harden’s sixth team he’s played for in his NBA career – and his third in the last four seasons.