The smoke around a potential James Harden–Darius Garland swap isn’t imaginary, but it’s also not at the finish line.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Cavaliers and Clippers have discussed the concept, though talks have not reached an “advanced stage.”
What’s holding things up is familiar by now. Cleveland’s interest in Harden is tied directly to draft compensation.
Per Tony Jones, Dan Woike, Sam Amick, and Law Murray of The Athletic, the Cavs want a first-round pick or a swap attached if they’re moving Garland.
That mirrors reporting from SI.com’s Chris Mannix, who said the Clippers have pushed back on that price.
Before Cleveland sent De’Andre Hunter to Sacramento, the Clippers also kicked around other frameworks involving John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Hunter, per Stein and Fischer.
Nothing stuck, but Los Angeles continues to view Cleveland as a viable Harden destination. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com adds that the Clippers’ interest in Garland goes back years.
Still, both sides understand this may not get done by Thursday afternoon. Harden and the Clippers are working together on trade possibilities, but there’s acceptance that a deal might wait.
Outside of Cleveland, Harden has at times been intrigued by the Hawks and Timberwolves, though neither is viewed as a serious pursuer right now.
Minnesota remains locked in on Giannis Antetokounmpo, while Atlanta has cooled after moving Trae Young.
One league source told Stein and Fischer that Harden’s push is “all about a contract extension.” He’s not extension-eligible now, but hopes to line up a new two-year deal this summer.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are eyeing 2027 cap flexibility.
Even if Garland isn’t moved this week, there’s a growing belief league-wide that he could be in play this offseason.
The Cavs have publicly signaled patience, but the chatter isn’t going away, even if this Harden thread doesn’t end in a deal.
RELATED | Rival exec: Clippers won’t get a better deal than Garland
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