Clippers And Cavaliers In Advanced Talks On James Harden Trade

Trade winds are swirling once again in the NBA, and this time, the eye of the storm is none other than James Harden. On Monday night, February 2, 2026, news broke that Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers are actively working to determine whether a blockbuster trade can be completed before Thursday’s NBA deadline. The clock is ticking, with the deadline looming at 12 p.m. PT (3 p.m. ET) on February 6, and the basketball world is abuzz with speculation, hope, and more than a little apprehension.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as the main suitor, expressing serious interest in acquiring the 36-year-old former MVP. According to multiple sources, including ESPN’s Shams Charania and Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Clippers and Cavaliers have entered “advanced discussions” on a deal that would send Harden to Cleveland in exchange for guard Darius Garland. The trade, if finalized, would mark the end of Harden’s Clippers tenure after just over two seasons and could shake up the playoff picture in both conferences.

Harden, who is under contract for only this season (with a player option for next year that isn’t fully guaranteed), holds significant leverage thanks to his veto power. Any deal involving him must receive his approval, making negotiations even more delicate. This added wrinkle is especially relevant for a team like Cleveland, considered a non-destination market, as they would be taking a gamble on Harden’s willingness to commit beyond this season.

The news of Harden’s potential departure came as a shock to many, especially given his recent comments about feeling “blessed” to play in his hometown of Los Angeles. In an interview with ESPN, Harden said he was confident the Clippers could “come all the way back” from their rough start. That confidence was not misplaced; after beginning the season with a dismal 6-21 record, the Clippers have rallied to win 17 of their last 21 games, improving to 23-25 and climbing to ninth in the Western Conference—a spot that keeps them in contention for a play-in berth.

Yet, Harden’s absence has been conspicuous. He sat out Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Suns and Monday’s home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, both for what the team described as “personal reasons.” Before Monday’s game, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters that Harden was at his home in Phoenix. After the 128-113 loss to the Sixers, Lue declined to comment on trade discussions but made his feelings clear: “Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?” he said, adding that Harden “means a lot” to the franchise.

Harden’s impact on the Clippers has been undeniable. Since his arrival from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, he’s averaged 21.1 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. His playmaking and scoring have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence this season, and his leadership has helped steady the ship after a rocky start. Harden recently achieved another career milestone, passing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list—yet another feather in the cap of the 11-time All-Star, who has now played for five NBA teams over his illustrious 17-year career: the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers’ original vision, when they acquired Harden, was to assemble a superteam alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, that dream has unraveled somewhat. Paul George left for Philadelphia as a free agent in the summer of 2024 and was recently suspended for 25 games due to a violation of the NBA’s drug policy. The landscape in Los Angeles has shifted, and with the team’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the prospect of moving Harden is both a risk and an opportunity.

On the other side of the proposed deal stands Darius Garland, a talented guard who has spent his entire NBA career with the Cavaliers since being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Garland, a two-time All-Star, has been limited to just 26 games this season due to a toe injury, but his potential remains sky-high. For Cleveland, trading Garland for Harden would be a bold move—a clear signal that the franchise is going all-in for the present, rather than building for the future.

The Cavaliers, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 30-21 record, are experiencing a sharp drop-off from last year’s 64-win campaign. After pulling off a surprise trade with the Sacramento Kings over the weekend, Cleveland seems intent on making another splash. Still, acquiring Harden comes with its own set of risks. As a non-destination franchise, the Cavaliers must consider whether Harden will exercise his player option or opt out this summer, potentially leaving the team empty-handed after a short stint.

The NBA community has been gripped by this unfolding drama. According to The Athletic, “Numerous front offices were seeking clarity on the same question: Is a James Harden trade suddenly but legitimately in play now before Thursday’s 3 PM ET deadline?” The answer, for now, is a resounding yes. Interest across the league is high, but the Cavaliers appear to have the inside track, with advanced talks ongoing.

For Harden, this potential move would mean donning a sixth NBA jersey, a testament to both his enduring talent and the ever-changing nature of the league. Despite the uncertainty, his resume remains sterling: an MVP award, nine All-NBA selections, and a reputation as one of the game’s premier offensive forces. The question on everyone’s mind—will Harden take his talents to Cleveland and push the Cavaliers deeper into the playoff conversation?

As for the Clippers, losing Harden would undoubtedly be a blow, but acquiring a young, dynamic guard like Garland could help retool the roster for the future. Garland’s playmaking and scoring ability would fit well alongside Kawhi Leonard, giving Los Angeles a fresh look as they continue their quest for postseason relevance.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Los Angeles and Cleveland. Will the Clippers and Cavaliers finalize a deal that could reshape the NBA landscape? Or will last-minute negotiations, player preferences, or cold feet derail what could be the league’s biggest move of the season?

One thing’s for certain: the next 48 hours promise to be anything but dull. As the deadline draws near, teams, players, and fans alike are holding their breath, waiting to see where The Beard lands next. Stay tuned—this story is far from over.