James Harden’s trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for 26-year-old Darius Garland and a second-round pick has dramatically shifted the NBA landscape.
The trade created an internet storm with ESPN’s Shams Charania confirming the deal by calling it a “prolific swap of the star point guards.”
With this move, the Cavaliers have secured two finest “star” guard creating a high-powered backcourt duo that opponents will struggle to resist.
Despite his age, James Harden is not slowing down, averaging 25.4 points and setting almost 8.1 assists in 44 games for the Clippers.
Tyronn Lue, the Los Angeles Clippers coach, highlighted the importance of Harden, noting, “Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?”
The Clippers made a strategic move by acquiring Garland. Despite his ankle and knee injuries, he would be a long-term partner to play alongside Kawhi Leonard.
However, during his six-season journey from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, Harden has been traded for the fifth time.
According to sources, this deal indicates that Cleveland believes their window to win a championship is open now, and they are choosing experience over potential. Instead of waiting for the young players like Darius Garland, it would be better to maximise the potential of current players like Donovan Mitchell.
