Cleveland Cavaliers: News, Scores, Stats, Headlines, Injury Updates & More

Cavaliers in ‘win now mode’ after Harden trade

Eric Samulski recaps the trade that sent James Harden to the Cavs from the Clippers for Darius Garland, breaking down how Harden will fit in alongside Donovan Mitchell and what it means for Cleveland’s NBA finals hopes.

Cavaliers vs. Clippers predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for February 4

Rotoworld Bet Staff,

Rotoworld Bet Staff,

06:44

Harden trade to Cavaliers ‘out of left field’

Winners, Losers from James Harden trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

Kurt Helin,

Kurt Helin,

03:18

Harden’s ability to facilitate will elevate Cavs

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers

Report: Clippers agree to trade James Harden to Cavaliers for Darius Garland, second-round pick

Kurt Helin,

Kurt Helin,

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Washington Wizards

Cavs, Clippers reportedly swap James Harden, Darius Garland: Roster fallout, fantasy impact

Raphielle Johnson,

Raphielle Johnson,

Rotoworld Player News

Dennis Schröder

CLE Guard #8

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Dennis Schröder tallied 11 points (5-of-14 FGs), two rebounds, six assists, three steals and one three-pointer in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers.

Even though the Cavaliers didn’t have James Harden for Wednesday’s game, Schröder’s role in his debut for the team was not far removed from what he’ll be asked to do once the team is whole. He played 19 minutes, a number that may decrease once Harden is worked into the rotation, and offered decent value. Schröder can provide a spark off the bench as he did for the Pistons last season, but that won’t do much for fantasy managers.
Keon Ellis

CLE Guard #14

Keon Ellis accounted for six points (2-of-5 FGs), three rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers.

While Ellis did play 20 minutes or more in each of his final four appearances with the Kings, he was not a consistent member of Doug Christie’s rotation. That may not be an issue in Cleveland, given the Cavaliers’ need for another defensive-minded guard. Ellis only recorded one steal on Thursday, and he’ll have limited fantasy upside in his new home. However, consistent playing time should not be a major issue, which is key for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.
Donovan Mitchell

CLE Guard #45

Donovan Mitchell finished Wednesday’s win over the Clippers with 29 points (10-of-19 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), five rebounds, nine assists, four steals and three three-pointers.

Mitchell and the Cavaliers took care of the Clippers with relative ease, winning the first quarter by a 36-18 margin and not looking back. How the partnership between him and James Harden works out remains to be seen, since The Beard wasn’t available, but adding Harden to the mix should alleviate some of the playmaking pressure on Mitchell. The hope is that Harden will make his Cavaliers’ debut on Saturday against the Kings.
James Harden

CLE Guard #1

The Cavaliers have reportedly acquired James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and a future second-round pick.

Rumors of the Clippers and Cavaliers discussing a trade first surfaced Monday evening, and the two sides agreed on a deal within one day. Harden, whose contract for the 2026-27 season is only partially guaranteed if he picks up the play option, now joins forces with Donovan Mitchell to give the Cavaliers an experienced (and currently healthy) playmaker. Once he gets to Cleveland, Harden will likely push Sam Merrill or Jaylon Tyson to the bench, with the latter having an excellent second season in the NBA.
Darius Garland

CLE Guard #10

Darius Garland (toe) did not participate in Tuesday’s practice.

Garland has missed Cleveland’s last nine games with a right great toe injury. He was able to do some individual work during Tuesday’s practice, but a return to game action appears to be a way off for the Cavaliers’ point guard. New additions Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder practiced fully on Tuesday and did some extra work afterward. They’ll help the Cavaliers account for Garland’s absence on Wednesday against the Clippers.
Donovan Mitchell

CLE Guard #45

Donovan Mitchell had 14 points (6-of-15 FGs), nine assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in Sunday’s win over the Trail Blazers.

With Darius Garland (toe) out again, Mitchell had nine assists in the playmaker role. With Evan Mobley (calf) out as well, center Jarrett Allen had a 40-point game. This is how Mitchell, who is averaging 29.1 points per game, ended up with less than 20 points for the second game in a row. He’s provided fifth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Cavaliers only have two games upcoming in Week 16, starting with a matchup against the Clippers on Wednesday.
Sam Merrill

CLE Guard #5

Sam Merrill had 22 points (7-of-9 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, four assists and six three-pointers in Sunday’s win over the Trail Blazers.

Merrill has now had four games with six made three-pointers this season. With De’Andre Hunter traded to the Kings, it’s reasonable to think the Cavaliers could lean on Merrill more for his outside shooting. Without contributing in other categories, though, he’s difficult to even consider outside of deeper formats.
Jarrett Allen

CLE Center #31

Jarrett Allen had 40 points (16-of-23 FGs, 8-of-12 FTs), 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks in the Cavaliers’ 130-111 victory over the Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Allen became one of five players in league history, joining Joel Embiid, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Joe Barry Carroll, with 40 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks or better in a game. It was an absolutely dominating performance from the 27-year-old center, who carried the Cavaliers to victory with Evan Mobley (calf) still sidelined. There was no better way for Allen to close out Week 15 for his fantasy managers.
Craig Porter

CLE Guard #9

Craig Porter Jr. (knee) is available for Sunday’s game against the Trail Blazers.

Porter missed Friday’s loss to the Suns with Lonzo Ball seeing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball wasn’t effective as he made just 1-of-8 field goal attempts. Porter and Ball figure to split backup point guard minutes when both are available, though neither are worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.
Emanuel Miller

CLE Forward #2

The Cavaliers acquired Emanuel Miller from the Bulls as part of a three-team trade that included the Kings.

While Chicago received two second-round picks as a “reward” for taking on Dario Šarić to help complete the trade, the team had to send a player elsewhere per league rules. That player is Miller, who’s on a two-way deal and appeared in 11 NBA games during his two seasons in Chicago. To free up a two-way slot for Miller, the Cavaliers are waiving Luke Travers.

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