It’s a deal that certainly wasn’t expected after Cleveland’s previous season in which the Cavs were one of the best teams in the league.
Advertisement
They haven’t been able to duplicate that success this season, and now they’ve turned to Harden as Garland struggled to stay healthy.
So let’s look at some business qualifications.
(Subscribe to Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube)
Los Angeles Clippers: A
Garland may have struggled to stay healthy this season, but he’s 10 years younger than Harden and gives the Clippers a long-term advantage that Harden doesn’t have.
This could be the first step for the Clippers to become younger and more focused on the next decade.
The 6-foot-2 Garland is a formidable passer and scorer, and could easily find himself in the All-Star conversation again in years to come as he returns to health.
Advertisement
Of course, it’s concerning that the Clippers are seemingly throwing away arguably the best season of Kawhi Leonard’s career with this new path forward.
Cleveland Cavaliers: B- (but with potential for more)
There is a warning for this grade.
First, the Cavs need to go for it all right away. Not next year. Not in 2028. Now. Right now. Harden technically helps with that, and if the Cavs make a strong push in the Finals with Harden as their lead point guard, then this grade improves.
Otherwise, the team is looking for a situation where Harden can leave this summer and turn 37 before the start of next season.
Advertisement
Make no mistake: This is a HUGE gamble for the Cavaliers, as giving up Garland and potentially losing Harden means the clock will likely start ticking on a potential Donovan Mitchell trade request.
It can’t be overstated how much is riding on the success of this season, so while I respect them for the gamble, this could go wrong, and quite dramatically.