Who said this trade deadline would be dry? After a few trades earlier on Tuesday, another major swap is reported. The Clippers traded 11-time All-Star James Harden to the Cavaliers for two-time All-Star Darius Garland and a second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This move wasn’t expected 24 hours ago, but Harden’s trade request changed Los Angeles’ plans heading toward the deadline. Reports surfaced earlier on Tuesday that Cleveland and Los Angeles discussed the swap of All-Star guards. Harden joins the sixth NBA team of his career, while Garland moves on from the organization that drafted him fifth overall in 2019.
The Cavaliers are pushing for a deep postseason run after a historic 2024-25 regular season ended in a second-round collapse. Cleveland is fifth in the Eastern Conference this season, but is just two games back from the No. 2 seed. This is with Garland playing just 26 games due to injury. Harden gives the team an immediate upgrade heading into the second half of the season.
Following the move, there’s been a shift in the 2026 NBA Finals odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a breakdown of where the Cavaliers stand following the Harden-Garland trade.
Updated 2026 NBA Finals odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
The Cavaliers jump from +1600 to +1200 to win the 2026 NBA Finals on DraftKings Sportsbook. It’s not a significant leap, but the Cavaliers now tie the Knicks as the favorite from the Eastern Conference. Both Cleveland and New York share +1200 odds of winning the NBA Finals.
That said, the Knicks are still the favorite to win the East at +320. The Cavaliers are third at +370, improving from +450 prior to the Harden acquisition.
Harden’s arrival gives Cleveland a veteran presence at point guard, but it’s also an upgrade at the position. Not only is Harden more available than Garland this year, but the former MVP is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists. and 4.8 rebounds in 35.4 minutes per game compared to Garland’s 18 points, 6.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game.
Harden, 36, has a player option after this year, but could opt in and hit unrestricted free agency following the 2026-27 season. Garland, 26, is under contract through the 2027-28 season.