Cavs, Clippers Remain Apart on Draft Picks in Harden-Garland Trade Talks
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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers are still negotiating a deal that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles, yet progress has slowed because of a disagreement over draft compensation, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Sources told Mannix that Cleveland wants a first-round pick or a future pick swap attached to Garland. The Clippers have pushed back, viewing the assumption of Garland’s long-term contract as a sizable commitment on its own.
The basic framework under discussion has not changed: Garland, 26, would head west, while Harden, on an expiring deal, would join a Cavaliers roster still evaluating the fit between Garland and Donovan Mitchell in its backcourt. Harden has publicly questioned his future in Los Angeles and is eager to join a contender.
Cleveland, however, is unwilling to treat Garland as a mere salary match. The organization still considers him a high-end lead guard under team control for several seasons and wants additional assets if it pivots toward Harden’s shorter-term contract.
With the trade deadline looming, both front offices remain engaged but have yet to bridge the gap on draft considerations.
Source: Hoops Wire
