James Harden-Darius Garland trade grades: What's next for Cavs, Clips? - ESPN

In what might be the biggest deal before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the LA Clippers agreed Tuesday to swap point guards Darius Garland and James Harden in a one-for-one deal that also sends a 2026 second-round pick to the Clips, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Both teams are hoping this trade of 2025 All-Stars with nearly identical salaries will produce better results during disappointing campaigns. The Cavaliers are battling for positioning in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff race after finishing atop the standings a season ago, while the Clippers' recent hot streak has lifted them only into the play-in tournament after a dreadful start.

Let's break down the implications of Cleveland and Los Angeles exchanging point guards and what it means for the rest of the 2025-26 season and beyond.

Cleveland Cavaliers get:
G James Harden

LA Clippers get:
G Darius Garland
2026 second-round pick

Cleveland Cavaliers: B

What this deal means for the Cavaliers: The more I think about it, the more I like Cleveland adding Harden to jolt a team that ranks eighth in offensive rating this season after leading the league in 2024-25 with 64 wins.

Garland's toe injuries have been a key factor in that decline. He has been dealing with toe issues since April, and offseason surgery hasn't solved them. Garland suffered a bruise to his troublesome left toe shortly after returning in November, and he is now sidelined by a big toe sprain on the right foot.

When he has been available, Garland, 26, is shooting just 36% on 3s, down from 40% a season ago. His usage rate has declined too, while Garland's steal rate would be the lowest since his rookie season. Those struggles are reflected in team performance. The