Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, US media reported on Tuesday, on a busy day of deal-making as the NBA trade deadline neared. Former NBA Most Valuable Player Harden is heading to Cleveland in exchange for Cavs star Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, ESPN reported.
The move is seen as a win-win for both clubs, with Harden, 36, joining a Cleveland team that is well-placed to make a postseason run while the Clippers bring in the 26-year-old Garland with one eye on the future. Harden’s arrival gives Cleveland another potent offensive weapon alongside Donovan Mitchell. Harden, who has never won an NBA championship despite being one of the most decorated players in the league, is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game this season.
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News of the Harden deal came amid a flurry of reported moves on Tuesday as the NBA’s Thursday trade deadline approaches. The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly sending star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz in a multi-player deal. Jackson’s Memphis teammates John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. are also heading to Utah, with Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hedricks, and Georges Niang going in the other direction. The Grizzlies will also receive multiple future draft picks.
The Boston Celtics are also reinforcing their roster with the acquisition of Chicago Bulls All-Star center Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Anfernee Simons. The pace-setting Detroit Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference, have recruited Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric in a multi-team deal involving Chicago and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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