Harden sent to Cleveland

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden is being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, US media reported on Tuesday, on a busy day of deal-making as the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline nears.

Former NBA Most Valuable Player Harden is heading to Cleveland in exchange for Cavs star Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, ESPN reported.

The move is seen as a win-win for both clubs, with Harden, 36, joining a Cleveland team who are well-placed to make a postseason run while the Clippers bring in the 26-year-old Garland with one eye on the future.

Harden’s arrival gives Cleveland another potent offensive weapon alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Harden — who has never won an NBA championship despite being one of the most decorated players in the league — is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game this season.

News of the Harden deal came amid a flurry of reported moves on Tuesday as the NBA’s Thursday trade deadline approaches.