CLEVELAND – James Harden scored 22 points, adding nine rebounds and eight assists, in the Cavaliers’ 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, marking a strong return after missing two games with a fractured right thumb. The 36-year-old guard, acquired by Cleveland in February, is demonstrating an immediate impact by shifting offensive responsibilities and elevating the play of his teammates.
Harden’s arrival in Cleveland has altered the Cavaliers’ offensive dynamic, releasing Donovan Mitchell from the primary ball-handling duties. According to NBA.com, Harden is averaging 24.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game since joining the team. Jarrett Allen, in particular, is benefiting from the pick-and-roll opportunities created by Harden’s playmaking, as highlighted in post-game analysis following the February 9th win against the Denver Nuggets.
The trade that brought Harden to Cleveland involved sending Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers. While the move signaled a belief that the Mitchell-Garland backcourt had reached its ceiling, the Cavaliers are focused on maximizing Harden’s current contributions. “I know it’s coming soon,” Harden said when asked about his retirement timeline, according to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Michael Scotto on March 2, 2026. “Hopefully later than soon. It’s reality.”
The Cavaliers’ acquisition of Harden is part of a broader trend of significant trades made around the most recent deadline, though the full impact of these moves remains unclear. Anthony Davis, now with the Washington Wizards, is not expected to play until next season, while Trae Young is slated to make his Wizards debut on Thursday. Ivica Zubac, acquired by the Indiana Pacers, is currently sidelined with an injury.
Other trades have yielded more immediate results. Jonathan Kuminga, traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks, is averaging 21 points on 66% shooting in his first three games with his modern team. Dominique Wilkins, the Hawks’ television broadcaster and a team legend, praised the acquisition, stating, “Thank you, Golden State Warriors. How do you give up on a guy that young, with that ability? It’s beyond me.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers, who were seeking tax relief. McCain, after recovering from a meniscus injury, is averaging nearly 12 points on 43% shooting from three-point range in his first 10 games with the Thunder. The 76ers received OKC’s first-round pick in June, projected to fall between 28-30.
Cam Thomas, traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Milwaukee Bucks, has struggled to replicate his scoring output, averaging 7.4 points on 25% shooting in his last five games. The Bucks view his development as a long-term project, hoping to cultivate young assets to replace aging core players.
Nikola Vučević, now with the Boston Celtics, is being asked to fill a role similar to that of Al Horford, but his impact has been inconsistent. Jose Alvarado, joining the New York Knicks from the New Orleans Pelicans, has quickly become a fan favorite, posting 26 points in a recent win over Philadelphia.
Luke Kennard, traded to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks, is shooting 49% from three-point range, though the Lakers are working to encourage him to seize more shots. Coby White, acquired by the Charlotte Hornets from the Chicago Bulls, is averaging 20 points in his first few games with his new team, adjusting to a reduced role.
Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, also joining the Cavaliers from the Sacramento Kings, are expected to provide depth and defensive tenacity as the team prepares for the playoffs. Ayo Dosunmu, traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Chicago Bulls, is seen as a potential solution to the team’s point guard issues, though he often defers to Anthony Edwards.
