The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers moved fast to seal a James Harden –Darius Garland trade. The Clippers will also receive a second-round pick. Both teams have played below preseason expectations in the short term. Both teams are surging in their respective conferences. This trade gives both teams more options long term.
So, here are the grades for this trade.
Trade Grades: Cavaliers Swap Darius Garland For Clippers’ James Harden
Cavaliers Land a Former MVP
This trade is a gamble for the Cavaliers. They relinquish Garland and also risk losing Harden, which could start the clock on a Donovan Mitchell trade request. However, Harden used his veto power to allow the trade. That signals both teams will likely agree on an extension. The 2018 MVP averages 25 points and eight assists through 44 games. The 36-year-old shoots 41.7 percent from the field. He shoots 34.7 percent from three. He turns 37 in August.
Despite recent moves to duck below the tax line, the Cavaliers remain in win-now mode. It is championship or bust. The Cavs are still in the second apron. Expect one or two more trades.
Grade: A
Clippers Add a Younger Franchise Guard
Los Angeles gets a guard ten years younger in Garland. Garland turned 26 last month. This gives the Clippers higher long-term upside, despite Garland’s recent injury history. He missed the start of the season after surgery to repair turf toe in his left foot. He is currently sidelined with a right great toe sprain.
This trade marks the Clippers finally thinking about the next decade. This season, they will at best finish as a play-in team. Their horrendous 6–21 start put them miles behind despite Kawhi Leonard’s best efforts the past two months. They are thinking about the future at the right time.
Garland can contribute to a title contender immediately. He made the All-Star team last season and helped power the league’s top offense. This season, he averages 18.0 points and 6.9 assists. Garland shoots 36 percent from three, 86.1 percent from the free-throw line, and has appeared in only 26 games.
Grade: A+
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