Reports: Cavs, Clips ramp up Harden-Garland trade talks

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd February, 12:37 2026

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Denver Nuggets

Jan 30, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Cavaliers and Clippers have discussed a trade proposal that sends 11-time All-Star James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland headlining a package to Los Angeles, multiple media outlets reported.

Per Yahoo Sports, the teams are motivated to complete a deal "relatively soon," while ESPN reported that Harden is working with the Clippers to facilitate a trade.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

Harden, 36, was held out of the Clippers' lineup the last two games for what the team labeled personal reasons.

The former NBA MVP and three-time scoring champ is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 44 games this season, his 17th in the NBA.

Of note for Harden is his ability to block any trade because he's technically under contract for just this season. The second year of his two-year, $81.5 million deal is a player option, which isn't fully guaranteed.

Garland, 26, has been sidelined since Jan. 14 with a Grade 1 right toe sprain.

The two-time All-Star is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season. He is playing in the third season of a five-year, $197.2 million deal.

--Field Level Media

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