The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired star guard James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, according to ESPN.
The trade brings the former NBA MVP to Cleveland as the Cavaliers look to make a significant push in the Eastern Conference by adding veteran scoring and playoff experience to their core.
Harden, a 10-time All-Star and one of the league’s most accomplished offensive players, joins a Cavaliers team led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The 34-year-old guard is known for his ability to score, facilitate and control the tempo of games, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Garland, a former All-Star and key piece of Cleveland’s rebuild over the past several seasons, heads to Los Angeles after spending his entire career with the Cavaliers. He played a major role in the franchise’s return to postseason contention following years of rebuilding.
The second-round pick adds future draft capital for the Clippers, who continue to reshape their roster around veteran talent.
Neither team immediately confirmed the deal, and further details of the trade were not immediately available.
The move marks the latest stop in Harden’s career, which has included stints with Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. For Cleveland, the acquisition signals a clear win-now approach as the franchise aims to take the next step after multiple playoff appearances in recent years.
