By Chalien Dantes

James Harden is on the verge of becoming a Cleveland Cavalier after a major trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers that will send Darius Garland to California. 

While the move still awaits official NBA approval, both teams appear set to reshuffle their rosters in a deal that could reshape their seasons.

Harden, now 36, brings a big résumé to Cleveland. The 11-time All-Star and former league MVP has built a reputation as one of basketball’s elite guards, though an NBA championship has remained just out of reach throughout his career. The veteran star admitted the chance to finally chase a title played a major role in his decision to accept the move.

Cleveland currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference as it pushes toward the playoffs, while the Clippers are ninth in the Western Conference standings. Harden believes the Cavaliers’ roster and coaching setup give him a strong opportunity to pursue the championship he has long chased, even though he initially hoped to make things work in Los Angeles.

Harden played a key role in helping the Clippers recover from a rough 6-21 start to the season. However, he missed Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers while negotiations between the two franchises moved forward. The former Houston Rockets superstar, who captured the league’s MVP award in 2018, also dismissed rumours that he pushed for an exit from the Clippers.

Over a career that has spanned five teams, Harden has piled up 28,805 points, placing him ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most dangerous offensive threats. Heading west, 26-year-old Darius Garland gives the Clippers a talented guard who is averaging 18 points per game this season despite battling injuries. Los Angeles will also receive a second-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft as part of the agreement.

Interestingly, the two teams are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, though both Harden and Garland must complete medical checks before the trade can become official. Cleveland fans will be eager to see if Harden’s arrival can help deliver the franchise’s first championship since its historic 2016 triumph.