The trade Cleveland Cavaliers receive: James Harden LA Clippers receive: Darius Garland, 2026 second-round pick
Cleveland — Grade: B Why: The Cavs traded for a proven creator to address a clear drop-off in offensive efficiency. Last season’s league-leading offense has slipped to roughly eighth in offensive rating, and Garland’s persistent toe problems — dating back to last April and lingering despite surgery — have curtailed his consistency. When available this year, Garland (26) is shooting about 36% from three (down from 40%), has seen usage decline, and has his lowest steal rate since his rookie year. Among players with at least 500 minutes, Cleveland has been outscored by roughly 3.0 points per 100 possessions with Garland on the court, a blunt indicator that the current backcourt combination hasn’t produced the same results.
That context explains why adding Harden makes sense. Donovan Mitchell has been carrying an oversized playmaking load — logging 33.9 minutes per game with his highest usage rate since Utah — and the Cavs need to reduce that burden. Harden, 36, remains an All-Star-caliber facilitator (he ranks near the top in WARP metrics this season) and averages 35-plus
