The Cleveland Cavaliers made one of the biggest moves of the NBA trade deadline this season by acquiring James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Cavs sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick in a deal that reshapes the team’s backcourt.
Needless to say, the trade breaks up the Cavaliers’ long-held core and brings in a former MVP with deep playoff experience. With Harden now in the lineup, Cleveland’s depth chart and on-court roles shift immediately.
Cleveland Cavaliers Depth Chart After James Harden Trade
The deal was first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania on X.
“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,” Charania wrote.
Cleveland made the move with hopes of strengthening its chances heading toward the 2026 title picture.
Harden joins the Cavaliers as the 2018 NBA MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and a three-time scoring champion. This trade marks the sixth franchise of his NBA career.
The 36-year-old guard is having a strong season. He is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, with season highs in scoring and assists.
Harden primarily plays as a point guard and shooting guard and remains one of the league’s highest-usage and most ball-dominant players.
The move also signals a clear shift for Cleveland, which had long resisted breaking up its core four of Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
With Harden now in the lineup, the Cavaliers add a proven veteran playmaker to pair with Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. Following the James Harden trade on Feb. 3, 2026, Cleveland’s depth chart reflects the change.
The Cavaliers also acquired Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis in a three-team deal that sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings.
Cleveland’s updated depth chart now looks like this:
- Point guard: James Harden — Dennis Schröder — Craig Porter Jr. at
- Shooting Guard: Donovan Mitchell — Keon Ellis, Sam Merrill — Tyrese Proctor
- Small Forward: Dean Wade — Jaylon Tyson
- Power Forward: Evan Mobley — Nae’Qwan Tomlin — Larry Nance Jr.
- Center: Jarrett Allen — Thomas Bryant
Mitchell is also having a career season. He is averaging 28.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field, all career highs.
The Cavaliers are 30–21 this season and currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. With Harden now leading the point and Mitchell beside him, Cleveland moves forward with a new-look rotation following one of the most significant trades of the deadline.
