The Cleveland Cavaliers went out and broke up the core four on Tuesday, sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers to bring in James Harden via trade. Harden may be 36 years of age, but he’s averaging over 25 points and eight assists this season, and he represents a short-term upgrade for a Cavs team that’s looking to recapture the magic they had last season.
Garland has been a huge part of the Cavs’ turnaround to start the 2020s, but he gives way amid mounting pressure for the Cavs to make the most of the league’s most expensive roster. At the end of the day, what’s important for Cleveland is that they make the backcourt pairing of Harden and Donovan Mitchell work, and for what it’s worth, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the two are excited about the prospect of working together.
“James Harden and Donovan Mitchell have already connected. James Harden has spoken with Donovan Mitchell. Both seem very excited about this partnership,” Charania said.
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Mitchell’s stamp of approval means a lot considering that he’s the team’s best player, and Harden being around will help take so much load off of the Cavs star’s shoulders.
Cavs prioritize short-term gain in James Harden trade
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James Harden trade talks with the Cavs and Clippers hit a wall before the NBA Trade Deadline after Cleveland demanded draft picks.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Contending windows rarely open in the NBA, and it’s not like the Cavs made a horrendous trade by bringing Harden in for Garland. Fans must temper their expectations, however. For starters, Harden is a heavy-usage player who may end up changing how Cleveland plays. Moreover, he doesn’t have the best of track records come postseason time.
Nonetheless, Harden still being a 25/8 player this late into his career means that the Cavs upgraded on the point guard position. While they’ll be losing a ton of future production with Garland now in LA, this should boost their chances of mounting a deep playoff run this year and the next.