The Cleveland Cavaliers made a polarizing move at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. They sent homegrown star Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for former MVP James Harden. Because of the age gap — with Harden at the tail end of his career, while Garland presumably yet to enter his prime — some questioned Cleveland’s thinking. Along with Harden’s other character concerns, many fans found themselves scratching their heads.
While the age difference is an argument against the deal for Cleveland, it doesn’t tell the full story. Garland has been consistently injured throughout his career, whereas Harden has been steadily healthy. Harden’s height is also advantageous for the Cavaliers. Garland is an undersized guard at 6-foot-1, while Harden is 6-foot-5.
Instant Impact
Despite the question marks surrounding Harden, the Cavs’ acquisition of “The Beard” is already paying off.
Donovan Mitchell is the main player to have benefited from playing alongside Harden so far. Garland was another explosive offensive option. However, both he and Mitchell are undersized guards — a type of pairing that rarely results in championships. Aside from having a bigger guard next to him, Mitchell also benefits from playing with an all-time talented offensive engine. It’s the first time in Mitchell’s career that he won’t have to always be the team’s primary scoring option. Harden can take the ball out of Mitchell’s hand and dominate the game in iso sets. This lets Mitchell spend some of his time on the floor in a catch-and-shoot role — making his workload less taxing.
Through Harden’s first three games, his impact is evident. In his Cavalier debut against the Kings, he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to help the Cavs secure a come-from-behind win. Harden had a similar impact in his second game as a Cav, scoring 22 points and helping the Cavs beat an NBA Finals-contender in the Denver Nuggets. While Harden’s third game, his home debut as a Cavalier, was not explosive scoring-wise, he dished out 11 assists. His passing display included a highlight-worthy behind-the-back pass to rising star Jaylon Tyson.
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Jarrett Allen has exploded in recent games thanks to Harden — scoring over 20 points in each game alongside him. Allen is a polarizing player for Cavs fans. As a one-time All-Star and one of the team’s highest-paid players, the fact that he doesn’t drive the offense and has a reputation as a “soft” player make him subject to criticism. But, Harden’s pick-and-roll ability, one of his strong suits as a player, is unlocking a new level of play for Allen. An empowered version of Allen could prove crucial come the playoffs.
Evan Mobley could be also be unlocked by Harden’s pick-and-roll mastery, although it’ll take time, as he is currently recovering form a calf injury.
The Key to a Cavaliers Championship?
Cleveland’s motivation for the Harden trade was simple: make the push to win a championship. The effects of Harden’s addition and Garland’s subtraction are already being felt positively. The Cavaliers look more and more just in their decision with each game played. Fan sentiment has already shifted, and the energy of the team feels different.
If the Cavs can ride the momentum they have started to build with Harden, they will be dangerous come the playoff — but that’s a big if. Harden’s history is a fair concern, but if he can move past it and continue with what’s being built in Cleveland: watch out, NBA.
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