Latest Cavaliers-Clippers Trade Talks Center on James Harden for Darius Garland
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The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers have held preliminary discussions about a trade that would send guard Darius Garland to Los Angeles and bring James Harden to Cleveland, league sources told The Stein Line and The Athletic.
Negotiations remain in the exploratory phase, and both sides acknowledge that a deal is unlikely to be completed before Thursday afternoon, according to the reports.
Draft compensation is key issue
Cleveland’s interest in Harden hinges on acquiring additional draft assets. Multiple outlets reported that the Cavaliers want a first-round pick or a pick swap attached to any package that includes Garland. The Clippers have so far resisted that price, per SI.com.
Before Cleveland sent DeAndre Hunter to Sacramento, Los Angeles also examined alternate frameworks involving John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Hunter, but none of those concepts advanced, The Stein Line noted.
Clippers long intrigued by Garland
Cleveland.com reported that the Clippers’ interest in Garland stretches back several years. Even if an agreement is not reached this week, league executives believe the 23-year-old guard could become available again in the offseason.
Harden focused on next contract
One league source told The Stein Line that Harden’s push for a trade is primarily driven by the pursuit of a new contract. The 34-year-old is not extension-eligible this season but hopes to secure a two-year deal in free agency this summer. The Clippers, meanwhile, are prioritizing salary-cap flexibility in 2027.
Limited alternatives for Harden
Outside of Cleveland, Harden has shown periodic interest in the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves, but neither franchise is considered an active bidder. Minnesota is focused on pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Atlanta’s interest cooled after trading Trae Young, according to The Athletic.
The Cavaliers have publicly preached patience, yet league chatter continues to link Garland to potential deals, whether or not the current conversations with Los Angeles produce an agreement.
Source: Hoops Wire
