Clippers and Cavaliers Swap Point Guards

While the NBA counts down to Thursday’s trade deadline, a blockbuster deal on Tuesday, February 3, sent James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles, instantly reshaping both teams’ identities. Harden arrives in the middle of his highest‑scoring season in six years, while Garland gives the Clippers a younger, long‑term point guard to build around.

Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists through 44 games this season, and pairing that level of talent with Donovan Mitchell gives the Cavs one of the most potent backcourts in the East. The move indicates a clear push to win now, as the conference appears to be wide open. Harden’s playmaking should elevate Cleveland’s half‑court offense, especially in the playoffs when the game slows down and defenses tighten up. 

The trade does come with several risks. Harden is 36 and holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026–27 ($13 million guaranteed). But for a Cavs team sitting in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, the upside is undeniable. If Harden maintains this level, Cleveland’s ceiling jumps immediately. The other factor is how Harden and Mitchell, two ball-dominant players, mesh with less than half a season remaining. 

For the Clippers, this is a mid-season retooling. Garland, who is just 26 years old and averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists, gives the Clippers a guard who can help now but also fits a longer timeline. With Harden approaching free agency and the Clippers’ books set up for flexibility, moving him for a younger All‑Star makes strategic sense. Unfortunately, Garland has been limited in appearances this season with a number of injuries, none of which seem to be long-term but have certainly impacted his availability. 

Garland’s ability to run offense, space the floor, and grow alongside whatever version of the Clippers emerges post‑2026 gives L.A. the stability it didn’t have with Harden’s uncertain future. 

Cleveland is betting on star power to chase a Finals run today. The Clippers, who are currently seven games out of a playoff spot but have a slight hold on one of the play-in berths, are looking to move away from their offseason plan of veteran experience into what is likely a more balanced roster.  As of now, the trade for both teams makes sense and should likely set the tone for both franchises moving forward, both in the immediate and distant future.