Cavaliers Announce James Harden Status Update After Clippers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 6:41 PM ET

New Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden grabbed a lot of headlines right before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. This was after reports emerged about the former MVP’s move away from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden had missed the last two games for L.A. due to personal reasons. As it turns out, they were already facilitating a blockbuster move to the Cavs. Ultimately, the Clippers sent Harden to Cleveland in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round pick.

Harden’s move to the Cavs marks the 11-time All-Star’s sixth team in his 17-year NBA career. The 36-year-old parted ways with L.A. after two and a half seasons with the organization.

Former Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden reacts during a game.Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Cavs and the Clippers officially announced Harden’s trade on Wednesday. He missed Cleveland’s game on Thursday against, incidentally, the Clippers, with his trade still pending.

The Cavaliers are back in action on Saturday in another road matchup. They face the Sacramento Kings in Golden 1 Center for the fourth out of their current five-game road trip.

The good news for the Cavs is that Harden has been cleared to make his debut. The team announced in the injury report that Harden is officially available to play against the Kings.

We're just as excited as you are, Cleveland. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/Vbg2lgTeZT
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 7, 2026

Harden played 44 games for the Clippers before his midseason trade. He averaged 25.4 points on 41.9% shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals in 35.4 minutes per contest. The three-time NBA scoring champ also knocked 3.1 triples per game on a 34.7% clip.

The Cavs have won seven out of their last eight games, including Wednesday’s 124-91 blowout win against the Clippers. They enter Saturday’s matchup with a 31-21 record. As of writing, they are fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Harden’s arrival gives the Cavs’ championship aspirations this season a massive boost.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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