The Athletic NBA Daily Why did the Cavs trade for James Harden?
7 snips
Feb 4, 2026 Law Murray, NBA reporter for The Athletic covering the Clippers, and Danny Cunningham, Locked On Cavs podcaster and Cleveland reporter, break down the Harden–Garland blockbuster. They discuss why Cleveland pursued Harden, how he might fit with Allen and Mobley, defensive and lineup questions, playoff ceiling in the East, Harden’s trade pattern, and what the Clippers hope to gain with Garland.
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Availability Over Potential
- The Cavs made the Harden trade because they stopped trusting Garland's playoff availability and wanted a more reliably available star.
- Danny Cunningham argues Harden's availability and durability this season tipped the scale despite playoff concerns about his recent performance.
Mitchell's Load Gets Eased
- Pairing Harden with Donovan Mitchell is an open question because Harden has rarely been the second guard alongside another primary guard.
- Cunningham believes Harden will relieve Mitchell's offensive load and reduce his late-game fatigue.
Size And Schemes Matter Defensively
- Harden's size and post defense could improve the Cavs' defensive profile compared with Garland's smaller frame.
- Adding role players like Keon Ellis and lineup adjustments also factor into defensive improvement, not just the Harden-Garland swap.