Cavs threaded financial needle to land James Harden from Clippers

In order for the Cavaliers to land James Harden in the Darius Garland deal with the Clippers, the math had to work. And it barely did.

The Cavs were able to complete the trade for Harden because Garland makes slightly more. Garland’s $39.45 million salary narrowly tops Harden’s $39.18 million, allowing a clean one-for-one swap even with Cleveland operating above the second apron. (The Cavs are also sending a 2026 second-round pick.)

That distinction matters. As a second-apron team, the Cavs cannot aggregate contracts or take back extra money. This had to be straight up. No creativity required. Just precision.

There were hurdles. Harden had to waive his implied no-trade clause and approve the deal. He also carries a 15-percent trade kicker worth roughly $2.3 million, which he agreed to forgo to facilitate the move.

Looking ahead, only $13.32 million of Harden’s $42.32 million salary for next season is guaranteed, giving the Cavs flexibility, depending on how things play out.

From a roster standpoint, the trade reflects where the Cavs have been. They have steadied themselves lately but remain short of last season’s 64-win pace, sitting at 30-21 in a year shaped by injuries and fit questions.

Garland, 26, has missed significant time with toe and ankle issues and has long faced scrutiny over his pairing with Donovan Mitchell, particularly given his preference to operate as a primary ball-handler. Cleveland is 13-13 with Garland this season and 17-8 without him.

Harden, meanwhile, is still producing at a high level. At 36, he’s averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 44 games while playing heavy minutes and shooting nearly 91 percent from the line.

The money works. The timing works. Now the basketball begins.

This marks the Cavs’ second trade of the week, as they sent De’Andre Hunter to the Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team deal with the Bulls on Sunday.

The trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. EST.