Clippers trade James Harden to Cavs for Darius Garland
After days of speculation, star guard James Harden has a new NBA home after the Los Angeles Clippers moved him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Darius Garland and a second-round selection.
The trade came after Harden internally pushed for a change of scenery, as he felt that he needed to play with a “win-now” situation. The 36-year-old voiced to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that he didn’t want to keep the Clippers’ future tied down.
“I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden said, adding that he was excited to join the Cavaliers because “I see an opportunity to win in the East — they got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So as much as I wanted to stay in LA and give it a go, I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
The 36-year-old is still playing at a high level, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 41.9 percent from the floor and 34.7 percent from beyond the arc. He’s set to join a Cavaliers team that is fifth in the Eastern Conference standings behind a 30-21 record.
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Meanwhile, the Clippers are acquiring Garland, a two-time All-Star who has developed into one of the league’s better young guards. Although questions remain regarding his defensive prowess, he is a proven asset that LA can build with moving forward.
The 26-year-old is in the third year of his five-year, $197.2 million designated rookie extension that doesn’t include a player or team option.
