TRADE: Darius Garland, SRP to LAC | James Harden to CLE

[Smitty]

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards.

[Smitty]

@BobbyMarks42
As part of the trade, Harden will have to waive his one-year bird restriction (no trade clause) and all but eliminate his $2.3M trade bonus.

[Chicagojk]

What a fascinating trade. I have no idea what to think of it.

I do look forward to a harden elimination game though to see if he can add to his legacy.

[mvossman]

What a fascinating trade. I have no idea what to think of it.

I do look forward to a harden elimination game though to see if he can add to his legacy.

Not so sure about Harden and Mitchell playing together.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Harden is an upgrade for Cleveland right now. I think Mitchell has been threatening to leave. So i can see why Cleveland would do this. They need to win now.

I was high on Garland a year ago. He's still skilled but he seems to be another guy that's always hurt. Nothing I hate more than players that don't play.

[RoyTarpleysGhost]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7020852...ers-trade/

The Cavs began the year as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but the season has not gone according to plan. They were also feeling the pressure from their best player, Donovan Mitchell, to make changes ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline under the threat of a contract extension he may or may not sign in two summers.

Three league sources said Mitchell, who has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million deal and a player option for 2027-28, conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat for the rest of this season and wait for potential moves in the summer.

Two league sources also said Mitchell specifically wanted Harden, who is 6-foot-5, durable and comfortable as a pass-first point guard.

[Chicagojk]

how many picks used to get James Harden are still out there?

Clippers got a second
Philly has either pick swaps or picks from the Clippers in trading James to LAC.
Houston still has picks from Brooklyn right?
Does Brooklyn have any picks from Philly?

[KillerLeft]

I actually think Harden/Mitchell works on offense really well, and goes quite a long way to assuage any fears I'd have about "big game Harden" shortcomings.

I'm less thrilled about the pairing as a defensive backcourt, that's for sure.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Harden should keep Mobley and Allen happy though. He'll get them the ball. Cavs were desperate if you ask me. Trying to keep pace with Detroit. Knicks haven't made a move yet. Celtics got Vucevic. He'll fit right in shooting 3's.