CLEVELAND, Ohio — The moment the Cavaliers pulled the trigger on their blockbuster deal for James Harden, social media detonated.
Within minutes, timelines turned into a whirlwind of hot takes, disbelief, celebration and outright chaos. Fans argued about it, pundits dropped their two cents and memes flooded what seemed like every corner of the internet.
In a trade that already reshaped the NBA landscape, the online reaction became its own spectacle, capturing the shockwaves rolling through Cleveland, Los Angeles, and everywhere hoops fans congregate.
Fear the Sword’s Tony Pesta on X: James Harden telling Giannis how to demand a trade.
NBA Cobwebs on X: James Harden is on an NBA World B. Free tour.
NBA Paint on X: Exclusive first look at James Harden as a Cleveland Cavalier.
@NotlikeRuss on X: James Harden showing up every 2 years to save the trade deadline.
Pickuphoop on X: Imagine telling a Thunder fan in 2012 that KD, Russ and Harden would play for 18 teams combined.
Bill Simmons on Instagram: Why did Cleveland trade for James Harden? I have a theory.
@ZiggyofAk on X: The fouling up 3 was the start of them offending my basketball sensibilities.
Now the formerly ethical basketball team employs the godfather of the grift. Out here trying to take shortcuts. Scared of the grind.
This thing is bigger than Darius Garland!
StatMuse on X: Darius Garland as a Cav:
— 18.8 PPG
— 6.7 APG
— 1.1 SPG
— 2x All-Star
Top 3 in franchise history in assists and threes.
@IsaacOkoroFan on X: *Most* of the people who aren’t sad about Garland being traded likely didn’t watch him run PnR with John Henson in 2019. Or him throwing lobs to Javale McGee during COVID.
Watching his growth into a 2x All Star was such a joy and his ascension to greatness during those tough years won’t be forgotten.
Jordan Zirm on X: I would not trade Darius Garland for a 36-year-old James Harden
ttwfo on X: yall really arguing darius garland in street clothes over a guy who putting up 25 & 8 ??
They Got Me on X: Darius Garland is in year 7, in his athletic prime, and still not a better basketball player than 37 year old James Harden. Other factors to the trade but that fact should be enough to stop you all from crying.
LA Clippers Muse on X: Interesting fact: Winston and Darius Garland become the 2nd father-son duo to play for the Clippers (Doc and Austin Rivers)
@HoodiGarland on X: 64 win team just a season ago and now my favorite player is gone from my favorite team…
I’m heartbroken man.
Jaylon Tyson Fan Club on X: Darius Garland hurt his back in 2021. He broke his orbital bone opening night 2022. He broke his jaw 2023. He tore a ligament in his toe in 2025.
Despite it all, he gave EVERYTHING he had to this franchise. He never complained. He always had a smile on his face.
Darius Garland, always a Cavalier.
Tony Pesta on X: I’ve very much enjoyed watching Darius Garland grow and mature into a star in Cleveland
At his best, he played with a selfless and infectious energy that led to some of the most fun moments in franchise history.
I’ll be rooting for him in LA.
Thanks for everything, DG.
Ramona Shelburne on X: Just spoke to a reflective James Harden, who denied asking for a trade and thanked the Clippers for the opportunity to play the last two and a half years in his hometown.
Shams Charania on X: 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.
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix on X: Clippers and Cavs have been in advanced negotiations since last night, when @SInow reported the talks. Cleveland wanted a first rounder but that was never seen as a deal breaker. Cavs wanted to take a big swing. LA wanted a younger All-Star. Both sides get what they were after.
Scoops on X: Browns: *Give $230M to an awful human on the chance his ceiling is higher than Baker*
Cavs: *Ditch Darius Garland for Harden knowing that Garland isn’t good enough*
Guardians: *Arguing with the ALDI cashier that their expired coupon for 5% off chicken nuggets should be honored*
Quincy Carrier on X: again I’m not against the idea of trading Darius Garland, but the idea of trading FOR James Harden in hopes of becoming a MORE serious team in the PLAYOFFS is beyond silly.