The trade deadline has intensified rapidly after an initially slow start. On February 3, 2026, the LA Clippers executed a significant transaction by trading 11-time All-Star guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster trade deadline deal.

This signifies the fifth trade of Harden’s career, making Cleveland his sixth NBA team following Oklahoma City, Houston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and the Clippers.

With Harden now on the Cavs, an opportunity for a story too good to be true was in the realm of possibilities. Just a day after the trade, Cleveland travels to Los Angeles to play the Clippers.

The Sporting News has everything you need to know about James Harden’s availability against his former team.

MORE: James Harden-Darius Garland trade grades

Is James Harden playing vs. Clippers?

No, Harden will not participate in tonight’s game between the Cavaliers and the Clippers. Despite the high-profile trade between the two teams yesterday, Harden is presently ruled out as he undergoes an acclimation period with his new team. 

11-time NBA All-Star James Harden — if acclimation goes as planned — is expected to make his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, sources say.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 4, 2026

NBA insiders report that Harden is anticipated to make his debut with the Cavaliers on Saturday, February 7, against the Sacramento Kings.

MORE: Details of James Harden trade to Cavs

Is James Harden injured?

Even though he’s listed as out for tonight’s game, Harden is not currently injured. His absence is understandable and not uncommon, given personal reasons related to the recent blockbuster trade and the important process of settling into his new team.

Darius Garland, who was traded to the Clippers in the same deal, is also out tonight, though he is actually recovering from a right toe injury.

MORE: NBA trade deadline rumors tracker

James Harden trade

Harden reportedly collaborated with the Clippers to identify a “win-now” opportunity in the Eastern Conference, indicating he did not intend to impede the team’s future rebuilding efforts.

Here are the exact details of the trade made ahead of the deadline.

Cavs receive:

• G James Harden
• Second-round pick

Clippers receive:

James Harden stats

Harden is currently averaging 25.4 points per game, placing him sixteenth in the league. He consistently maintains high free-throw efficiency and served as the Clippers’ main offensive player when Leonard was absent.

Harden remains one of the NBA’s top playmakers, ranking 3rd in assists with 8.1 per game.

MORE: Why Harden trade has Cavs fans even more excited about a LeBron James reunion