James Harden is on the move again.

The 2017-18 league MVP was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, with the Los Angeles Clippers receiving Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, multiple media outlets reported.

Harden, 36, had missed the Clippers’ last two games, with the injury report citing personal reasons, while multiple league insiders reported that the 11-time All-Star requested a trade to a team with higher short-term upside.

Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists in 44 games this season while shooting 41.9% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range.

Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days -- resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future. https://t.co/JM2tYr6lof

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

With several star players injured in the Eastern, the Cavaliers opened the season with expectations of winning the conference but got off to a slow start.

Cleveland has gone 8-2 in its last 10 games to climb to fifth in the East at 30-21, but Garland has been limited to 26 games by foot and toe injuries that date back to the end of last season.

On Sunday, the Cavs traded forward De’Andre Hunter, acquiring Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder from the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal.

The Clippers received a long-term asset in Garland, 26, despite his recent injury troubles.

Garland is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists this season.

The former fifth overall pick played 18 consecutive games from early December through mid-January, appearing to be fully recovered from his nagging left toe issues.

Garland has been out since Jan. 16, however, with a new issue in his right toe.

After starting the season at 6-21, the Clippers have roared back into contention for a spot in the play-in tournament by winning 17 of their last 22 games.