Are Garland’s injuries a long-term concern amid James Harden trade talks?
The Cleveland Cavaliers they recently signaled a change in their roster strategy by acquiring Dennis Schroeder and Keon Ellis in a multi-team deal that moved DeAndre Hunter to Sacramento. While Schroder was brought in to bolster the backfield, his arrival has fueled speculation about the future of the starting quarterback Darius Garland. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst noted on the Hoop Collective podcast that it’s not off the board for Cavs to watch Garland on the move before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.
Windhorst explained that while cracking the core four would require threading the needle, the struggles of the 2025-26 season left Donovan Mitchell with a difficult task, making a significant change more likely than in previous years.
The possibility of a core change gained momentum midway through the Clippers’ matchup against the 76ers, as reports surfaced of advanced talks about a blockbuster trade involving Garland and James Harden.
“The idea of this deal struck league managers as potentially awkward for both teams, especially with the players’ conflicting schedules. While Harden is having a strong season, his veteran status is at odds with the Cavaliers’ younger roster,” Windhorst said, according to ESPN.
Furthermore, Windhorst pointed out that Garland currently dealing with issues with both big toes. Although sources indicate he is progressing after missing two weeks with a sprained right toe, there is considerable concern among league personnel whether these injuries could become a long-term problem that hinders his future production.
The news of these negotiations came as a shock to the Clippers locker room, with Kawhi Leonard expresses genuine surprise after the loss to Philadelphia. Leonard said hearing about such big trade rumors while he was still on the court was definitely a surprise, though he still trusts the front office.
His teammate John Collins echoed this sentiment, describing the potential trade as something out of left field, given the team’s recent turnaround that has won seventeen of its last 21 games.
As the Feb. 5 deadline approaches, both franchises are weighing the risks of such a high-profile trade.
2026-02-03 15:59:00
