Clippers Cavs Harden Garland trade talks
The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have been in serious discussions about a potential trade involving James Harden and Darius Garland as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Multiple league sources and reporters indicate that the two teams have talked about a swap that would send Harden to Cleveland and Garland to Los Angeles, though details are still fluid and no deal is finalized yet.
According to reports, the Cavaliers’ interest in Harden dates back to December, when the Clippers were struggling early in the season and Cleveland began exploring backcourt upgrades. Harden, a veteran All-Star guard averaging strong scoring and playmaking numbers this season, remains a desirable target for Cleveland as they look to bolster their roster for a possible playoff run. Meanwhile, the Clippers have expressed a “longstanding interest” in acquiring Darius Garland, a younger guard who has shown All-Star potential but has battled injuries this season.
The proposed trade talks reflect both teams’ contrasting needs: Cleveland could gain an established scorer and floor general in Harden, while Los Angeles would receive a younger core backcourt piece in Garland. Sources note, however, that Harden has veto power over any trade due to his contract situation, meaning he would have to approve any deal for it to be completed.
As of now, the discussions are ongoing and could still evolve — with negotiations expected to continue in the final days before the NBA’s trade deadline. It remains unclear whether the two sides will bridge differences over draft compensation or other elements that could affect the final structure of any swap.
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