The 36-year-old point guard (or guard), crowned league MVP in 2018, is going to Cleveland in exchange for the All-Star point guard, ten years his junior, and a second-round draft pick, according to ESPN.
This transaction is considered beneficial for both clubs. Indeed, Harden joins a Cleveland team well placed to qualify for the play-offs this season (currently fifth in the Eastern Conference). For their part, the Clippers welcome Garland with a view to the future, and in particular the probable non-extension after 2027 of their other star, Kawhi Leonard (34 years old).
NBA transfer deadline set for Thursday
Harden’s arrival gives the Cavaliers a powerful new offensive weapon in addition to All-Star point guard Donovan Mitchell. Alongside Evan Mobley, defender of the year 2025, and Jarrett Allen, the 2016 NBA champions will try to win the title after failing in the Conference semi-finals in the past two seasons.
Harden, who has never won the NBA title, is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game this season. This will be the sixth franchise of “The Beard’s” career after the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia Sixers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
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