The NBA is a place where players and teams can decide that they want a fresh start, and the current landscape is no exception.
As rumors loom large on social media, Darius Garland and James Harden may at least be a conversational piece in high-level front office discussions.
In a long-shot scenario where Harden did get dealt, the Cleveland Cavaliers may be a well-equipped partner.
In the scenario where that trade pans, there is a near one-for-one transaction as the Los Angeles Clippers would attain Garland.
Garland currently plays about 30 minutes per game at a 25 percent usage rate in Cleveland. We could make the case that he can exceed this rate in Los Angeles.
While Kris Dunn is fine, Garland will be the definitive starter for the Clippers.
Strategic shift for the Cavaliers and the risk for Clippers
Replacing Harden, he can very well see a significant minutes increase, especially since the Clippers have a shallower depth chart to aid that transition. Ultimately, Garland would be marked as a slightly better asset as a member of the Clippers.
With Harden in Cleveland, however, this shifts the Cavaliers offense into lower value for some secondary players.
Harden is a very high usage player at 30 percent. This is five percent higher than what Garland currently occupies, and that will inevitably take away touches from Donovan Mitchell and the likes of Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder.
The Cavaliers have had Garland on the trade block for some time now. While the trade market for him has not completely taken off, it has been present in league circles.
By adding Schroder and having such a great bench, the organization does not desperately need to keep Garland to remain competitive. With Mitchell running point, the team should be okay maintaining their offensive flow.
Cleveland can get a perceived slight upgrade in pure offense with Harden. They also get themselves a draft swap in 2027 that is better than nothing, adding a future asset to a roster already built to win now.
A win-win situation for all?
Harden has been an enigma for some time in the NBA, always appearing to be unsatisfied with his current situation.
If the Cavaliers can deal him away for a comparable player like Garland, that is a deal well done for the Clippers front office.
By doing this, the Clippers must offload a first-round pick swap. However, the risk to the Clippers is minimal. If they end up with a worse record than the Cavaliers, this swap does not even go through.
It is a win-win for a team looking to get younger. Garland is also a decade younger than Harden, for what it’s worth, providing Los Angeles with a long-term pillar to pair with their aging core.
For the Cavaliers, the move represents a “win-now” gamble on a former MVP to push them over the top.
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