After trade shocker, Clippers and Cavs played less than 24 hours later

James Harden has sat next to Kawhi Leonard in the Clippers’ locker room ever since he was traded to the team in November 2023. On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after Harden was dealt to the Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, his nameplate had already been replaced by Garland’s.

Garland even had a few possessions by his new locker, including two pairs of shoes and a hat. 

Why such a quick turnaround? One day after the blockbuster trade, something very unusual happened: The teams played each other. So, you know, Garland was already in town. 

Both Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue used the same word to describe the situation at Intuit Dome: “Weird.”

Atkinson laughed at the fact that while showing the Cavs film of the Clippers on Wednesday,  Harden was in many of the shots. So, in essence, while they were scouting the opponent, they were also studying the newest member of their team. 

“It’s just kinda strange,” Atkinson said, flashing a smile. 

Of course, after tipoff, it was business as usual for both teams, with the Cavaliers routing the Clippers, 124-91. 

Garland was sitting courtside at Wednesday’s game. He met his new teammates. He received an applause from Clippers fans when he was shown on the video board during the game. He spoke to reporters at halftime, saying he’s “super excited” to be on the Clippers. And after the final buzzer sounded, his former Cavs teammates lined up to give him hugs. 

Harden, who had missed the Clippers last two games because of “personal reasons” was not at Intuit Dome. 

As for Harden, Lue called him “a rockstar.” He said Harden thanked him after the trade, calling him “one of the best coaches he had played for.” Harden praised Lue for letting him be himself, which led to him becoming an All-Star last season after not getting that honor the previous two years. 

The craziest part of this trade was the timing. Both teams were rolling. 

Before Tuesday, the Clippers had gone 17-5 following a woeful 6-21 start. Similarly, the Cavs had won nine of their last 12 games following a month-long stretch beginning in late Nov. when they lost 10 of 15 contests. 

Both teams are going to have to adjust to their new realities. 

For the Cavs, who are in fourth place in the East, that means figuring out a way to win now with the 36-year-old Harden at the helm. For the Clippers, who are in ninth place in the West, that means they’re shifting toward prioritizing their future with a 26-year-old instead of trying to make waves this season. 

Leonard acknowledged he was shocked to hear that Harden was leaving. He first heard news of a possible deal during Monday’s game against Philadelphia. Leonard went from having championship hopes alongside Paul George and Harden, to now being the only member of the “Big Three” remaining on the Clippers.

“We know why these guys left and I wish them the best of luck,” said Leonard, who had 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists. “I tried to help them stay. But business calls. And like I said before, I respect everything that’s going on.”

When asked if he feels that he, George and Harden have unfinished business considering their time together was hampered by injuries, he didn’t hesitate. 

“You always think you have a chance to win, but it’s hard to say at the time,” Leonard said. “Obviously, you need luck in this league with shots, with injuries, with everything. It’s just how it played out. I wanted to try to give it another run, but it didn’t happen that way.”

The Clippers now have to look forward. 

Atkinson called Garland “one of my favorites ever that I coached,” adding that their goodbye was emotional. Lue said he was excited to coach the two-time All-Star, adding that the Clippers could now play at a faster pace. Lue envisions coaching Garland as similar to coaching a young Kyrie Irving.

While Harden has been the picture of consistency this season, playing in 44 of a possible 50 games, Garland has been dealing with toe issues since April. Garland has missed 26 games this season, including his last nine games with the Cavs before the trade. 

The Clippers are hoping to get Garland back into the lineup after the All-Star break. 

While Leonard is reeling from the loss of Harden, he’s also embracing what’s next. He called Garland “very talented,” adding, “I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.”

And while many believe acquiring Garland was the Clippers’ way of punting the season for the future, Lue believes things won’t necessarily play out that way. 

“When we get Garland back healthy, we do think we can be a really good team,” Lue said.