James Harden was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Harden wanted out of Los Angeles, and the Eastern Conference contenders were his biggest suitors.

This situation, as many deadline discussions do, is all about the money. As The Stein Line's Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported, Harden wants a longer commitment than the two-year, $82 million pact he inked with the Clippers last offseason. L.A., meanwhile, wants to keep the coffers clean for the potentially stacked 2027 free agent class.

James Harden will miss his second straight game for personal reasons as the Clippers host the 76ers, with coach Ty Lue offering limited details. His absence adds uncertainty despite Los Angeles’ strong recent form.

Is James Harden playing tonight? What we know about new Cavs guard's debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. James Harden could make his Cleveland Cavaliers debut against the Los Angeles Clippers, the team that just traded him for Darius Garland.