Questions abound after Cavs trade for James Harden

The blockbuster trade came out of nowhere and shocked the entire NBA. However, there are unanswered questions about the Darius Garland-for-James Harden deal that became official Wednesday. No one doubts how Harden will help the Cavaliers. He's a 24-point scorer over his 17-year career. The biggest question is why Cleveland would trade a 26-year-old player in Garland for the 36-year-old Harden. Digging deeper into the deal, Harden signed a two-year, $81.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, 2025. He's making $39,182,693 this season. The second year on Harden's contract is one to keep an eye on. He has a mutual option on 2026-27 worth $42,317,307. If Harden exercises his contract, he will earn $13.3 million guaranteed even if the Cavs decide to decline it. So, technically, he can walk away after this season. If he picks up the option, there is a July 11 trigger date for it to become guaranteed. It's highly unlikely Cleveland made the deal without agreeing to pick up that second year. It wouldn't make sense to trade one of the pillars of the team — part of the so-called "Core Four" — for a player that can opt out after this season. Harden is also eligible for an extension this summer. However, Cleveland wouldn't want to sign him for much more than one year, considering his advanced age. "James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster," Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a statement. "We're excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor." Altman said he wished Garland best of luck in his future endeavors. "At the same time, we deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland," Altman said. "Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader and the heartbeat of our team. This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA. "We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given this organization. The difficulty of this trade reflects the utmost respect we have for him and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers." The Cavs also sent a 2026 second-round pick to the Clippers in the deal. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Harden is averaging 25.4 points (16th in the NBA), 8.1 assists (third in NBA), 4.8 rebounds and 1.30 steals in 44 games. He's shooting a career-high .901 from the free-throw line (fifth in NBA) and has made 135 3-point goals (17th in NBA). Harden erupted for a season-high and Clippers' franchise-record 55 points Nov. 22 at Charlotte. He was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which was honored at the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, and was the league's Most Valuable Player in 2018. He is also a six-time first-team All-NBA selection, as well as a two-time third-team pick, an 11-time All-Star, a two-time assists leader, a three-time scoring leader, Sixth Man of the Year in 2012, and two-time gold medalist with USA Basketball (2012 Olympics in London, 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain). Additionally, he earned a second-team All-Rookie selection in 2010 after being the No. 3 overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2009 NBA Draft. Garland appeared in 408 games over seven seasons in Cleveland and averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.15 steals. He was a two-time All-Star who ranks ninth in franchise history in points scored (7,671 points), third in 3-pointers made (956), third in assists (2,738) and 11th in steals (468). The Cavs made their third trade this week Wednesday when they sent point guard Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz. That will give them a roster spot to convert forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin's two-way contract into a standard contract. The Jazz are expected to waive Ball and allow him to become a free agent. On Sunday, they sent forward De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for guards Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Cleveland sent a 2027 second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls and also received two-way forward Emanuel Miller. Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.