The Cavaliers made a massive win-now move, acquiring James Harden from the Clippers late Tuesday. Cleveland is sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to Los Angeles to complete the trade. The move was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Amusingly, the Cavs play the Clippers on Wednesday in Los Angeles right after the trade. It’s clear Cleveland’s front office wants to win in the short-term. The Cavs have already made other deals this deadline week, including sending De’Andre Hunter to the Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder.
Harden, 36, is still putting up elite numbers in his 17 season in the NBA. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 44 games, all starts. Harden is a clear upgrade from an offensive standpoint. He’ll take the pressure off of Donovan Mitchell on a nightly basis, making up a potent offensive backcourt.
The Cavs have been a disappointment to start the season, coming off their No. 1 seed in the East last year. But they’ve won eight of their last 10 games to get to 30-21 on the season. Harden is a prolific offensive engine when he is on the court, but he has had his playoff struggles. Still, it’s a huge upgrade for Cleveland.
Garland is talented as he’s a two-time All-Star, but he does have his limitations. Garland, 26, offers the Clippers a better long-term option compared to Harden. But he’s been hurt this season, playing in just 26 games. So while Los Angeles gets the younger player, Cleveland gets the veteran still playing great basketball.
Harden in the East makes the conference more competitive. Despite the tough start, the Cavs are only two games behind the Celtics in the standings entering Tuesday night’s slate of games. It’ll take some time to incorporate Harden into the rotation, but it’s clear Cleveland views this season as an opportunity for this current core.