LOS ANGELES — The Core Four is no more.
Officially.
The widely reported blockbuster trade that sent longtime Cavalier Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for 11-time All-Star James Harden was completed late Wednesday afternoon.
“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster,” said Altman. “We’re excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates, and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor.”
In 44 games this season, the ever-durable Harden, a 2018 MVP and 2025 All-NBA selection, is averaging 25.4 points on 41.9% from the field, including 34.7% from 3-point range to go with 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds.
Sources tell cleveland.com the plan is for Harden to make his Cavs debut Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings — the penultimate stop on this current West Coast road trip.
Harden will join a surging team that has won eight of its last 10 games, rising to fifth place in the wide-open Eastern Conference, with aspirations of winning a championship — something that appealed to Harden when he assessed various options for leaving L.A. over the last few weeks.
For Garland, who began his career in Cleveland as the fifth overall pick in the 2019 draft and played a pivotal role in bringing the organization back to respectability, this trade marks the beginning of his next NBA chapter.
“We deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland,” Altman said. “Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader, and the heartbeat of our team. This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA.”
Garland, previously the longest-tenured Cavalier, was one-fourth of the nucleus that helped Cleveland advance to the playoffs three straight years. Along with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, that group was dubbed the Core Four.
Only three remain — for now.
A two-time All-Star, Garland ranks ninth in team history in points, third in 3-pointers made, third in assists and 11th in steals.
In 26 injury-riddled games this season, Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.9 assists.
Following summer toe surgery, Garland missed Cleveland’s first seven games. He has been sidelined since Jan. 14 because of a sprained toe on his other foot that has limited him to individual on-court workouts. There’s no clarity on when this toe injury will fully heal — although the Cavs felt like he was making progress and getting closer to rejoining the lineup.
Now it will be a different lineup, for a different team.