2-for-1 trade! Thank you, Harden! The monumental deal is officially done.

It’s finished, everything is done.

Insider Shams:The Clippers have traded 36-year-old Harden to the Cavaliers for 26-year-old Garland and a 2026 second-round pick.

Up to now this season, Harden has averaged 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals, with shooting percentages of 41.9%, 34.7%, and 90.1%; Garland averages 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists, shooting 45.1%, 36%, and 86.1%.

Notably, according to salary expert Bobby Marks, as part of the deal, Harden had to waive his trade veto rights and nearly completely gave up his $2.3 million trade guarantee (15%).

In the past six years, Harden has played for five teams: the Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers, and now the Cavaliers.

Since joining the Clippers in November 2023, Harden has set multiple records in two and a half years, such as averaging 21.1 points, 8.5 assists (fourth in franchise history), and 5.3 rebounds; holding the franchise record for triple-doubles (8); and being the only player in team history to average 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists per game.

US media projects the Cavaliers’ upcoming starting lineup as Harden, Mitchell, Jalen Tyson, Mobley, and Allen.

This lineup offers a balanced mix of offense, defense, and playmaking, and if chemistry develops, they are highly competitive and have a strong chance to break out of the East and reach the Finals.

Especially the Harden & Mitchell duo, one distributing and one scoring, potentially forming the NBA’s strongest backcourt twin guns.

Data site PolyMarket shows,With Harden joining, the Cavaliers’ odds of winning the Eastern Conference have surged from 11% to 26%, surpassing the current top two Eastern teams, the Pistons and Knicks, demonstrating Harden’s significant impact.

If the Cavaliers succeed this season, Harden can use this momentum to decline his player option this summer and enter free agency early, aiming for a lucrative contract extension... a perfect combination of fame and fortune.

Wishing Harden the best, and all dream chasers who have worked tirelessly from start to finish.