Overview
- Cleveland acquired James Harden, sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers in a blockbuster guard-for-guard swap.
- The Clippers dealt Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown to the Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-rounders—including Indiana’s unprotected 2029 pick—and a second-rounder, with the 2026 first protected to convey only if it lands No. 5–9 or else converts to an unprotected 2031 pick.
- Cleveland routed Los Angeles 124-91 at Intuit Dome as Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis debuted for the Cavs; Harden is expected to make his Cleveland debut this weekend.
- Cleveland’s broader overhaul brought in Harden, Schroder, Ellis and Emanuel Miller while sending out De’Andre Hunter, Garland, Lonzo Ball and three second-round picks.
- Elsewhere, the Knicks obtained Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks and cash, and the Warriors landed Kristaps Porzingis with reporting that he is anticipated to return to action soon.