A day after James Harden’s trade request became public, the Los Angeles Clippers shipped the 2018 NBA MVP to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.
Fittingly, following Tuesday’s blockbuster guard swap, LA is slated to host Cleveland on Wednesday at the Intuit Dome, with all eyes on the ramifications of the franchise-altering deal.
Latest on James Harden and Darius Garland’s Statuses for Wednesday’s Cavaliers-Clippers Clash
Ahead of Tuesday’s trade news, both Harden and Garland had been out of action for their respective teams.
In Harden’s case, he missed LA’s Sunday road win over the Phoenix Suns and Monday home loss to the Philadelphia 76ers due to personal reasons. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue revealed to reporters ahead of the second leg of the back-to-back that the 11-time All-Star returned to his home in Phoenix, casting doubt on his short-term availability for Cleveland.
Given his recent hiatus, his need to pass his physical, and the short turnaround time, Harden is considered “unlikely to be available for Wednesday’s clash against his former team.” That leaves Saturday’s road matchup against the Sacramento Kings as the most likely date for the 36-year-old to make his Cavaliers debut.
NBA insider Chris Haynes has reported Chris Haynes has reported that Harden is expected to make his debut for the Cavs on Saturday, against the Sacramento Kings.
On the flip side, Garland has been nursing a right great toe sprain, which has sidelined him for the past few weeks. The two-time All-Star has already been ruled out for Wednesday’s showdown against his ex-squad, marking his 10th consecutive absence. As such, Clippers fans will have to wait at least another few days to see their new floor general suit up for the first time.
While Garland, 26, is 10 years younger than Harden and considered a player who can help LA win “now and in the future,” he comes with considerable injury concerns. The 2019 No. 5 pick has been limited to just 26 contests this season due to separate toe injuries, including his current sprain, making the deal somewhat risky for both sides.
Cleveland (30-21) is looking to take the next step in the Eastern Conference after a relatively slow start compared to last season’s dominant 64-18 finish. Harden is viewed as someone who can “elevate the team’s ceiling” as Donovan Mitchell’s backcourt co-star.
Through 44 appearances this season, Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.1 3-pointers per game, shooting 41.9%.
As for the Clippers (23-26), they are looking to continue their improbable midseason resurgence. Since their nightmarish 6-21 start, Kawhi Leonard and Co. have gone 17-5 to climb back into the Western Conference play-in picture. A healthy Garland would likely go a long way toward LA getting over the hump and securing a playoff spot.
Across 26 appearances, Garland has posted averages of 18.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 6.9 apg, 0.8 spg, and 2.3 3pg on 45.1% shooting.
