Cavs, Clippers reportedly talking trade involving Darius Garland, James Harden

The Cavaliers and Clippers have held advanced discussions on a blockbuster framework that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles, sources tell Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.

This isn’t brand-new curiosity. Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports reports the Cavs have had interest in Harden dating back to December, when the Clippers were stumbling out of the gate.

Meanwhile, league sources say the Clippers have been fans of Garland, a two-time All-Star whose name has quietly circulated in L.A. for months.

Harden, 36, has missed two straight games for personal reasons. Coach Tyronn Lue told reporters Monday that Harden was at his home in Phoenix, without further elaboration.

ESPN’s Shams Charania added another layer, reporting that Harden and the Clippers are working together to find the three-time scoring champion a new team before Thursday’s deadline.

From Cleveland’s side, this would qualify as the “big swing” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst hinted at earlier in the day.

The Cavs have steadied themselves lately but remain short of last season’s 64-win standard, sitting at 30-21 amid a year shaped by injuries and roster questions.

Financially, it works. Garland’s $39.45 million salary narrowly tops Harden’s $39.18 million, allowing a clean one-for-one swap despite Cleveland sitting above the second apron.

Harden does have an implied no-trade clause and a 15-percent trade kicker, and only $13.32 million of his $42.32 million salary next season is guaranteed.

Garland, 26, is under contract long term and has missed time this season with toe and ankle issues.

Rival teams have long questioned his fit next to Donovan Mitchell, particularly given Garland’s preference to operate as a primary ball-handler.

As for Harden, the production is still very real. He’s averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 44 games, logging heavy minutes and shooting nearly 91 percent from the line.

Garland, limited to 26 appearances because of injuries, is at 18.0 points and 6.9 assists in just over 30 minutes per night, with solid efficiency when available. The Cavs are 13-13 with Garland this season, 17-8 without.