Clippers and Cavaliers Discussing Trade: James Harden for Darius Garland

The NBA trade speculation intensifies as the 2026 deadline approaches. Currently, the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers are in discussions to trade James Harden for Darius Garland.

James Harden’s Situation

James Harden has been absent from two consecutive games for personal reasons, stirring curiosity about his future. Clippers head coach Ty Lue shared limited insights, revealing only that Harden was home in Phoenix.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Clippers are actively negotiating with Harden for a deal by the impending deadline on Thursday. Discussions have been amicable, which is significant given Harden’s implicit no-trade clause linked to his recent contract.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Interest

The Cavaliers have shown consistent interest in acquiring Harden since December. They are seen as a frontrunner among teams pursuing the veteran guard’s talents. Harden, 36, is performing well, averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across 44 games, his highest scoring average since 2019-20.

However, the Clippers are seeking to improve their current roster, which is underperforming with a 23-25 record. After a shaky start to the season, they have gained momentum, recording a 12-4 record since January 2026.

Darius Garland’s Role

On the other side, Darius Garland has also caught the Clippers’ attention. The 26-year-old guard has faced injury challenges and has appeared in only 26 games this season. He was sidelined for eight straight games due to a toe strain, where he averaged 18.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists.

• Garland’s contract is a factor; he is owed $86 million through 2028.
• The Cavaliers are currently over the salary cap, limiting their flexibility in trades.

Recent Trade Movements

The Cavaliers are attempting to manage their financial constraints. Recently, they traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a deal that saved the franchise $6.9 million in salary obligations and an estimated $40 million in luxury tax payments.

Acquiring Harden would provide Cleveland with a strong playmaker, allowing star guard Donovan Mitchell to share ball-handling responsibilities more effectively. This move could rejuvenate a Cavaliers team that has recently shown improvement, posting an 11-5 record and winning eight of their last ten games, now standing fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Trade Limitations and Future Outlook

The Clippers face limitations in their trading capacity. Due to the Stepien Rule, they can only trade a maximum of two first-round picks in 2030 and 2032. Furthermore, they cannot deal their 2026 or 2028 first-round picks due to obligations from previous trades.

As the deadline nears, both teams are strategizing their next moves. Fans eagerly await news on whether an agreement can be reached before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET cutoff.