Cavaliers, Clippers Discussing Potential Harden-Garland Deal; Other Cleveland Players Emerge in Trade Talks
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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have been in contact since Monday about a possible swap that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to L.A., multiple outlets confirmed. Discussions remain in an early stage, according to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
Sources said Cleveland’s interest hinges on receiving draft compensation from the Clippers. Los Angeles has so far resisted parting with a first-round pick or pick swap, mirroring details first reported by Sports Illustrated.
Before Sacramento acquired DeAndre Hunter on Sunday, the Clippers and Cavaliers also talked about John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović and Hunter, but no agreement was reached.
While Harden and the Clippers continue to search for a deal before Thursday’s trade deadline, both sides acknowledge a trade might not materialize. Outside of Cleveland, Harden has at times shown interest in Atlanta and Minnesota, but the Hawks and Timberwolves are considered unlikely destinations. Minnesota is concentrating on a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Atlanta has scaled back its deadline plans after sending Trae Young to Washington last month.
One person familiar with the situation told Stein and Fischer that Harden’s push for a move centers on his desire for a new contract. The 2018 MVP is expected to seek a two-year deal as a free agent this summer, while the Clippers reportedly aim to preserve 2027 cap space.
Focus Shifts to Garland, Allen and Ball
Although Cleveland has long indicated it wants to keep Garland—limited to 26 games this season because of a toe injury—league observers increasingly believe the two-time All-Star could become available this offseason if he is not dealt for Harden this week.
Separately, the Cavaliers have explored moving veteran center Jarrett Allen, whose three-year, $90.7 million extension begins in 2026-27. Trading Allen could help the club slip under the second luxury-tax apron; even after Sunday’s DeAndre Hunter trade, Cleveland sits roughly $14 million above that line.
Sources insist the organization’s primary trade candidate this week is Lonzo Ball. The Cavaliers have held preliminary talks with the Charlotte Hornets about pairing Lonzo with his brother, LaMelo Ball. The Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz are also among teams willing to absorb salary attached to draft considerations. Cleveland would likely include second-round picks to offload Lonzo’s contract.
The NBA’s trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
Source: Hoops Rumors
