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The Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania Tuesday (February 3) night.
"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 on his X account. "Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days -- resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future.
Harden, 36, an 11-time All-Star, the 2018 NBA MVP and a member of the NBA's 75 all-time greatest players team, will now join his sixth NBA team and fourth since 2022.
"For the Cavaliers, acquiring one of the NBA's greatest 75 players has ability to elevate the team ceiling as they continue to contend for a title out of the Eastern Conference. It aligns two high-powered, multi-faceted engines in Harden and Donovan Mitchell," Charania wrote on his X account.
Harden is currently averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds through 44 games in 2025-26. Garland, 26, is averaging 18.0 points, 6.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 26 games this season.
The Cavaliers are currently 30-21, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Clippers are 23-26, ranking ninth in the Western Conference standings, which would be a play-in spot.