CLEVELAND, Ohio — When the Cavs first made the James Harden trade, I had major doubts. As time has passed, I can see more of the Cavs’ thinking.
I knew the Cavs had to do something … now … which was trading Darius Garland to the L.A. Clippers for the 36-year-old Harden.
It’s not simply because Harden is playing so well in the games (all wins) since the trade. It’s more information about Garland.
Darius Garland played some games with a toe injury in the 2025 playoffs and it negatively impacted his balance.APMore information comes out
This from Law Murray, who covers the Clippers for The Athletic:
“(Clippers President Lawrence) Frank said that the Clippers will change Garland’s injury designation to reflect that the right foot toe sprain that has kept him out for nearly four weeks has healed, while Garland’s still-sore, surgically repaired left foot toe will keep him out indefinitely.”
Indefinitely?
Yes, as in, the Clippers won’t even publicly say when Garland will be back.
That’s another reason I have to reconsider my comments on the trade. I thought his recent foot problems were due to a toe injury on the right big toe — the one that wasn’t surgically repaired last summer.
Yes, that right toe was a problem.
But it is the left big toe (the one that had turf toe surgery) that apparently remains a problem — and it’s lingering.
Murray also wrote:
“We are going to manage this correctly, OK?” (Clippers President Lawrence) Frank said. “We are not gonna skip any steps. Because we think the short-term investment will lead to long-term rewards. … We’re gonna get it right and take as long as it takes. But we’re very confident that by taking the time now, it’s gonna give him a long runway. He’s only 26, and we want to see him playing at a high level for a long time.”
Garland hasn’t played Jan. 14.
James Harden’s contract for next season is only partly guaranteed. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comFollow the money
Then add in Garland’s fully guaranteed contract:
2025-26: $39 million.
2026-27: $42 million.
2027-28: $44 million.
Harden’s contract:
2025-26: $39 million.
2026-27: $42 million, $13 million guaranteed.
No doubt that the Cavs had the same medical reports as the Clippers, which added to the urgency to find a new team for Garland.
Look at the two contracts. Then consider that much of Garland’s effectiveness is based on the slight 6-foot-1 guard’s quickness. Even when healthy, he was a poor defender, but he was dynamic on offense.
But if the toe problems linger … and he has 2 ½ years left on a maximum contract … moving him now was imperative.
Adding three players in trades gives Cavs Coach Kenny Atkinson more options and better defense. John Kuntz, cleveland.comThe decline of Garland
Consider the following:
In 2023-24, the Cavs had a 31-26 record with Garland. They were 17-8 when he was out.
In 2025-26, the Cavs had a 13-13 record with Garland and 18-8 without him before he was traded.
I didn’t use last season, because Garland missed only seven games (the Cavs were 4-3).
This season, the Cavs ranked No. 5 in defensive efficiency when Garland wasn’t on the court. They were 25th when he did play.
Defensively, some analytic sites ranked Garland in the bottom 8%.
Coach Kenny Atkinson was in a tough spot. He was playing Garland knowing the Cavs were a significantly better team when he was not on the court this season.
Dennis Schroder bring energy to the Cavs. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comRelief for coaches
The Garland trade takes that burden off the coaches, as does the De’Andre Hunter deal with Sacramento.
The Cavs were minus-40 points when Garland played, according to StatMuse. It was minus-20 with Hunter. The only Cavalier who was worse is Tyrese Proctor, the seldom-used rookie at minus-46.
With new additions Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis (from Sacramento), the Cavs become tougher and grittier defensively. That’s what Atkinson wants. He has added those two guards to young, scrambling defenders Thomas Bryant, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Craig Porter Jr. and Jaylon Tyson in various combinations.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.comIt’s Win Now
The Cavs want to at least reach the NBA’s Final Four, something that has eluded star Donovan Mitchell during his eight seasons with Utah and now Cleveland.
“It (the Harden deal) is giving Donovan a different energy,” Atkinson said before Wednesday’s game. “He knows we have a chance.”
That’s “a chance,” as in a chance at something big.
Without LeBron James, the Cavs have been to the Eastern Conference Finals only twice (1976, 1992).
As for the NBA Finals, the Cavs have never reached them unless James was on the team.
The Cavs correctly thought it wasn’t going to happen this season, especially with Garland’s struggles.
They’ll never say it, but there was a certain desperation to move Garland if they could upgrade the backcourt.
The Clippers were willing to deal Harden because they sensed things were going to head in the wrong direction. He wanted out. When Harden wants out, he has a way of making that happen. He will push the Cavs hard for some type of contract revision after the season.
But for now, it’s in Harden’s best interest to be on his best play-making, team-first behavior.
“We’ve gone to the playoffs the last few years largely as a young team, not a very experienced playoff team trying to figure it out,” Cavs president Koby Altman said at his press conference last week. “To be quite honest, James is motivated. Highly, highly motivated. He knows this is the last piece to his legacy and he sees a great chance with us.”
In the end, there was no chance with Garland — at least not this year. And the toe injuries raise long-term doubts about the former Cavs guard.