The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a strong push for an NBA title this year, but the trade they’ve made raises some questions.
The Cavaliers have sent 26-year-old Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for 36-year-old James Harden, an 11-time All-Star. This move pairs Harden with MVP candidate Donovan Mitchell, but Harden’s playoff performance has been inconsistent in the past.
Short-term Gains from James Harden
Despite being a decade older than Garland, Harden has been performing better this season, averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists. His presence has helped the Clippers, who have a 15-4 record in the last 19 games he played. Harden also participated in 44 of 47 games before the trade.
This is significant for the Cavaliers, as Garland has missed 25 games this season. He also missed part of the playoffs last year due to injury.
While Harden may not be more valuable than Garland in the long run, he could be more beneficial to the Cavaliers in the next few months, especially with Mitchell performing at a high level and the competition in the Eastern Conference being open.
Injuries Lead to the James Harden Trade
The Cavaliers have dealt with multiple injuries this season. In addition to Garland, starting small forward Max Strus has been sidelined with a foot injury. Lonzo Ball is struggling with knee issues, and Craig Porter Jr. contributes but averages only 4.8 points.
Mitchell has been leading the offense, averaging 28.9 points per game. Harden’s addition may help relieve some of that pressure and add more size compared to the 6-foot-1 Garland, even considering Harden’s playoff track record.
James Harden’s Playoff History
In his playoff career, Harden averages 22.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. He has played in 173 playoff games, equivalent to over two additional seasons. While his stats look good, his inconsistency has been a concern during critical games.
In past playoff appearances, such as scoring under ten points in three games during the 2012 NBA Finals, or a lack of scoring in decisive playoff losses, Harden’s performance at crucial moments has come under scrutiny.
Recently, in 2023, he scored only nine points in a Game 7 loss with the Philadelphia 76ers and had seven points in a Game 7 loss with the Clippers last season. He also scored just seven points in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024.
Harden’s role may allow Mitchell to stay fresh for the end of games. The Cavaliers also have other strengths, including Evan Mobley, who can benefit from Harden’s assists, and promising player Jaylon Tyson, who has been impressive this season.
Given that Cleveland traded away a two-time All-Star, they will be aiming for nothing short of an NBA Finals appearance. Harden’s playoff history raises significant concerns, making this trade a risky bet for the Cavaliers.