Report: Clippers trade James Harden to Cavaliers for Darius Garland, second-round pick

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Feb 3, 2026

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James Harden is headed to Cleveland.

The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Harden to the Cavaliers for for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, according to ESPN.

Harden, 36, is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game this season, his third with Los Angeles.

After slumping to a 6-21 start, the Clippers have rebounded enough to contend for a play-in spot in the Western Conference.

But Harden and the Clippers sought a trade in part because Los Angeles aims to clear its salary cap by the summer of 2027, according to The Athletic.

Harden is in the first year of a two-year, $81.5 million deal, with the second year being a player option.

Harden did not play in the Clippers’ games in Phoenix on Sunday or at home against Philadelphia on Monday due to what the team called “personal reasons.”

This is set to be the sixth stop for Harden, who previously played for Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn and Philadelphia.

Harden’s stints in Houston, Brooklyn and Philly also ended unceremoniously, with the high-scoring guard believed to have pushed for a trade each time.