James Harden is still one of the best players in the NBA at 36.
The former MVP is currently averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 41.9% from the field and 34.7% from three-point range in 44 games.
NBA World Reacts To Shocking Clippers-Cavaliers Trade Rumor Involving James Harden
On Monday evening, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers have been involved in trade talks for Harden.
Via Mannix: “Sources: Clippers, Cavs, have had advanced discussions on a James Harden-Darius Garland swap. Details:”
Sources: Clippers, Cavs, have had advanced discussions on a James Harden-Darius Garland swap. Details: https://t.co/vIl1CMK6L9
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 3, 2026
Here’s what people were saying about the rumor:
@HeatvsHaters: “Huh??”
@AidanLaPorta69: “James Harden is out tonight against the Sixers bc he is potentially being traded to the Cavs…….”
@adeezyy7: “Garland is 10.5 years younger than Harden and already has been an all star twice. James in just a few seasons is my favorite clipper ever but this is a no brainer.”
Kevin Keneely: “somebody do a wellness check on the Clippers front office, no chance a competent person would ever consider swapping James Harden for Darius Garland”
@NicThomasNBA: “Harden out for “personal reasons” tonight.”
“You got to do it if you can.”
The crew reacts to the news that a potential swap of James Harden and Darius Garland could be in the works. 👀 pic.twitter.com/oARRcrQgDI
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) February 3, 2026
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Harden has also spent time playing for the OKC Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers over 17 seasons.
While he is one of the best guards of all time, the former Arizona State star has yet to win an NBA Championship.
BREAKING: The Clippers and Cavaliers have had advanced discussions on a James Harden for Darius Garland trade, per @SIChrisMannix
(h/t @LeagueAlerts ) pic.twitter.com/Qb3IyxQTQJ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 3, 2026
Right now, the Clippers are the ninth seed in the Western Conference with a 23-25 record in 48 games.
They have gone 8-2 over their last ten games.
Last season, the Clippers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
BREAKING: The Cavaliers and Clippers have had “advanced discussions” on a deal that would swap Darius Garland and James Harden, Chris Mannix says ‼️ pic.twitter.com/9qFrJOT61d
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) February 3, 2026
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As for Garland, the two-time NBA All-Star is averaging 18.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per contest while shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range in 26 games.
The Cavs are the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 30-21 record in 51 games.
They are coming off a season where they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
“Nothing about James Harden spells championship… I would not want James Harden if I were a championship caliber team”
– @EmmanuelAcho weighs in on reports that James Harden wants out of the Clippers
WE ARE LIVE RIGHT NOW ➡️ https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/aqDo0sh0kr
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) February 3, 2026
