James Harden’s Time with Kawhi Leonard and Clippers Over After Blockbuster Trade to Cavs

In the past month and a half, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, along with their teammates, won 17 of their 22 games to turn the Los Angeles Clippers’ season around.

Now, they are back in the play-in spots and have momentum that could see them challenge those above them. Some might claim that Chris Paul‘s departure had something to do with this.

Or some might believe that Kawhi Leonard is playing his best basketball as a means to avoid being pulled into conversations surrounding the salary cap circumvention scandal that rocked the league during the offseason.

The only constant between these two phases was Harden, who has led the team as their primary playmaker and secondary scorer since Norman Powell was traded after last season.

Even though it seemed as if the franchise would continue with this group before looking at options next season, a bombshell dropped when it was reported that James Harden was looking for a way out.

The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards.

Shams Charania revealed on X

This was ESPN’s lead insider’s confirmation that the Clippers and Cavaliers had worked out the trade package that would end the 36-year-old’s time with his hometown team.

Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days — resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future. https://t.co/JM2tYr6lof

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

The trade looks like a straight swap, as both teams had their own priorities entering the second half of this season, but the Clippers get flexibility with that second-round pick.

James Harden wants to win now

When one saw the Los Angeles Clippers put together their stellar winning streak, it seemed as if they were about to emerge as one of the better contenders.

However, it seems James Harden was not completely sold on the idea. Shams Charania also revealed that the superstar guard and his representatives worked with the franchise to find a place he could move to.

Usually, older players prefer to join teams that offer a comfortable environment. Being at home in Los Angeles was considered the ideal destination, and it was believed that Harden would eventually retire in front of friends and family.

But wanting to move to an unfamiliar territory might be the 11-time All-Star’s attempt at playing for a prime contender. The Cleveland Cavaliers are not the team from last season, which had potential written all over the place.

This trade, though, changes that, as James Harden brings his experience and desire to win a chip with him. Darius Garland moving to his former team ensures the ball will still be in his hands.

With a player option available at his behest, now the 6’5″ guard holds the chips on what happens in Cleveland, as the Cavaliers hope to make the best out of their roster.

Adam Silver gives Kawhi Leonard his All-Star call-up

James Harden was not the only bit of news concerning the Los Angeles Clippers this past week. When fans learned that LeBron James got the All-Star reserves nod over Kawhi Leonard, many threw a fit.

They pointed at statistics, both individual and the latter’s impact on the team’s winning streak, to take shots at the league. Now, Commissioner Adam Silver has resolved the situation.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. After the selection of the initial 24 All-Stars, Leonard was added to bring the total number of U.S. All-Stars to 16, the minimum required.

Shams Charania revealed on X

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. After the selection of the initial 24 All-Stars, Leonard was added to bring the total number of U.S. All-Stars to 16, the minimum required.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026

Even though this was to ensure the US All-Star team has its required number of players, it seems Adam Silver was not willing to allow recent narratives about Leonard’s Aspirations scandal being cited as the reason for his initial snub.

Also Read:

• “I’m Gonna Be Cremated,” Charles Barkley Confesses Major Love and Loyalty To State of Arizona
• “Play-Off P to Prescription Drug P,” NBA Veteran Trolls Paul George for Getting Banned