Cavaliers, 76ers Agree to Blockbuster Trade Sending James Harden to Philly

Harden Finally Gets His Wish; Cavs Land Markkanen, LeVert, Picks

Deal Caps Off NBA Trade Deadline Frenzy

In a stunning turn of events, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to a blockbuster trade that will send 10-time All-Star James Harden to the City of Brotherly Love, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The deal, which was finalized just before the NBA trade deadline, sees the Cavaliers acquire Lauri Markkanen, Caris LeVert, a 2023 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks in exchange for Harden.

Harden, who has been the subject of trade rumors for months, had reportedly grown unhappy in Cleveland and had requested a move out of town. The enigmatic guard has long coveted a return to Philadelphia, where he played from 2012 to 2017.

For the Cavaliers, the trade represents a significant shakeup of their roster. The team had high hopes for Harden, who they acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022, but the former MVP has struggled to find his footing in Cleveland.

Markkanen, a 6'8" forward, is averaging 24.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season for the Utah Jazz. LeVert, a 6'6" guard, is averaging 18.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Indiana Pacers.

The trade deadline is often a time for upheaval in the NBA, and this year's deadline was no exception. In addition to the Harden deal, several other notable trades were made, including the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns trading for Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.