CLEVELAND, Ohio – I have one word about the Cavs possibly trading for James Harden.
Absolutely not!!!
OK, that’s two words and three exclamation points.
The reason for the deal is Harden and Darius Garland have contracts that can fit on Cleveland’s tight salary cap situation.
Garland is having foot problems. The point guard’s contract is as follows:
2025-26: $39 million.
2026-27: $42 million.
2027-28: $44 million.
Given the Cavs are in the NBA’s dreaded “second apron,” which restricts how trades can be made, moving Garland makes sense.
Here is Harden’s contract with the Clippers:
2025-26: $39 million.
2026-27: $42 million, but only $13 million guaranteed.
FYI: Harden also has a no-trade clause. Remember how Deshaun Watson used his no-trade clause when the Browns were trying to deal with Houston for the QB. His agent turned it into a new contract or he would not approve the trade.
Do the Cavs really want this?
Harden has left the Clippers for “personal reasons.” He has asked the team for a trade.
The Clippers started the season with a dismal 6-21 record. Since then, they are the NBA’s hottest team at 17-5.
And Harden wants to be traded … What does that say about him?
Can he still play? Yes. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He’s shooting 42%.
But he also dominates the ball. He is weak defensively. He also brings along drama – such as what is happening in L.A. right now.
The Cavs don’t need a 36-year-old guard who obviously is very concerned with securing a new, longer-term contract.
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This reminds me of a pure fantasy league trade, or perhaps utter analytics. The contract numbers line up. Maybe Harden can drive the Cavs to a title. Perhaps Harden will be motivated after joining a new team to play well … or something.
Harden wants out … again!
But what about reality and what follows Harden not long after he joins a new team – he wants out!
This is the fourth time since 2020 Harden has asked to be traded. That’s right, FOUR times in six years.
Here we go:
2020: He asked Houston to trade him. He was shipped to Brooklyn, a four-way deal that brought Jarrett Allen to Cleveland.
2022: He asked Brooklyn to trade him. He was traded to Philadelphia.
2023: He asked Philadelphia to trade him. He was traded to the Clippers.
2026: Now he wants the Clippers to trade him.
Is that what you want to bring to Cleveland?
The Harden/Garland deal is one that actually works on the salary cap. It could possibly allow the Cavs to have Harden for the rest of this season, then pay him off with the $13 million guarantee for 2026-27.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots over James Harden. Would they be a good fit in the backcourt? Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
What about on the court?
The Cavs are Donovan Mitchell’s team. Do they really want to take the ball out of Mitchell’s hands and have Harden dominate the offense?
That’s what Harden does. He controls the ball. He also doesn’t exactly spread joy – at least not for long.
If you doubt that, check his record of asking to be traded four times in the last six years. Most of those requests were like this one – driven to eventually secure a new contract.
Remember, the Clippers have won 17 of their last 22 games – and Harden wants out. What does that tell you about his priorities?
I’m hoping the Cavs are doing what teams do as Thursday’s trading deadline looms. They are checking out their options. What seems serious for a day goes away a few hours later.
The Koby Altman front office has wisely checked out the character of players brought to the Cavs. Does this fit?
They are a classy organization. The Cavs have won 8 of 10 games and 12 of their last 17 games. They are moving in the right direction. The De’Andre Hunter trade for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis should help that.
But please, no James Harden.
– This post has been updated to correct the date of the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
