Eleven-time All-Star guard James Harden will be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Los Angeles Clippers agreeing to send him to the Eastern Conference following his highest-scoring season in six years.

The Cavaliers will give up point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick, which is expected to be approved before Wednesday’s showdown between the Cavaliers and Clippers, according to multiple reports.

Harden’s trade comes ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline and ends his two-and-a-half-year career with the Clippers, which has included spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

The 36-year-old is averaging 25.4 points per game this season, his most since averaging 34.3 points per game in 2019-20, and is a vital part of the Clippers’ efforts to get back into playoff contention after a dismal 6-21 start.

“He means a lot to our team, we’ve seen that over the past three years,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Monday night, when news broke that such a move was close. “Who wouldn’t want James Harden?”

The Cavaliers will pair up with another star guard in Donovan Mitchell before making a run for the Eastern Conference title, while the Clippers get Garland, a two-time All-Star who is averaging 18 points and 6.9 assists per game for Cleveland this season.

Last summer, Harden opted out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers and signed a new deal worth $81.5 million (£59.4 million) this season and 2026-27.

Next year is his option, which essentially means he signed a one-year deal regardless, although he flatly denied speculation that he requested a trade from the Clippers.

“That’s not the case,” he tell ESPN. “In life, not just basketball, when things don’t go well, there are ways to end a relationship without hurting each other.

“Well, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrow each other. Whatever the case may be. I don’t think that’s the case with us.”

On leaving the Clippers, Harden added: “We had a hell of a two-and-a-half year period. We didn’t get to where we all wanted to be, but I think we left with some great memories, wins and fun moments for all of us.”

“At the end of the day, this is a business and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great spot and are very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”

Watch the entire NBA season live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or Contract-free streaming with NOW.