The Cleveland Cavaliers used Thursday’s NBA trade deadline to overhaul their backcourt, sending guards Darius Garland, DeAndre Hunter and Lonzo Ball out while bringing in James Harden, Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis.
Team president of basketball operations Koby Altman confirmed the moves after flying to Los Angeles—where the Cavaliers were playing the Clippers—to inform Garland personally. “We’re not here today without him,” Altman said of the two-time All-Star, describing the conversation as emotional for both sides.
Immediate upgrade on the court
Cleveland opened the season 22-19 but has gone 9-2 since mid-January. Among the 11 Cavaliers who had logged at least 500 minutes, Garland, Hunter and Ball carried the three lowest net ratings; all three are now off the roster.
Altman called the 36-year-old Harden “still elite” and a player who can relieve Donovan Mitchell, whose usage rate is his highest since leaving Utah. At 6-foot-5, Harden also adds size on defense and has a reputation as an effective post defender.
Harden waived his trade kicker to join Cleveland, and the Cavaliers can begin negotiating a new contract with him once the NBA Finals conclude. “This fit, right now, this year, makes a lot of sense,” Altman said.
Financial relief and added depth
Moving Hunter and Ball reduced the organization’s projected luxury-tax burden by roughly $100 million, according to Altman. “It’s very rare to improve your team and save $100 million,” he noted.
In addition to Harden, Cleveland added Schroder—described by Altman as a high-energy guard who can change tempo—and Ellis, regarded as the club’s top perimeter defender. Both players debuted in an easy victory over the Clippers.
Altman praised Mitchell’s consistent support before and after the deadline moves, saying the star guard was “all in” on the new direction.
The Cavaliers plan to address Harden’s contract after the season, focusing for now on a playoff push with a reworked roster that is both cheaper and, they believe, more competitive.
Source: Hoops Wire
