Wild trade scenario could put James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James on Cavaliers
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 04, 2026, 04:52 IST
![<div class="flex flex-col text-sm"><article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&:has([data-writing-block])>*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" tabindex="-1" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-697156f4-77c8-8324-bfb3-60682933f38c-6" data-testid="conversation-turn-54" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"><div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)"><div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="4f841e06-5092-4e9d-9643-9d4371d8d259" dir="auto" class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&]:mt-1" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-2"><div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]"><div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling"><p data-start="0" data-end="96" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong data-start="0" data-end="96" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Wild trade scenario could put James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James on Cavaliers</strong></p></div></div></div></div><div class="z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start"></div><div class="mt-3 w-full empty:hidden"><div class="text-center"></div></div></div></div></article></div><div aria-hidden="true" data-edge="true" class="pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0"></div>](https://staticimg.publishstory.co/thumb/127897073.cms?imgsize=129908&width=760&height=428&resizemode=4 "<div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm\"><article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&:has([data-writing-block])>*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" tabindex=\"-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-697156f4-77c8-8324-bfb3-60682933f38c-6\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-54\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"><div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"><div data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"4f841e06-5092-4e9d-9643-9d4371d8d259\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&]:mt-1\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-2\"><div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"><div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"96\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"96\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Wild trade scenario could put James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James on Cavaliers</strong></p></div></div></div></div><div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\"></div><div class=\"mt-3 w-full empty:hidden\"><div class=\"text-center\"></div></div></div></div></article></div><div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-edge=\"true\" class=\"pointer-events-none h-px w-px absolute bottom-0\"></div>")
A speculative NBA scenario suggests Cleveland could pursue James Harden via trade, then target Giannis Antetokounmpo with multi-team help, and later add LeBron James in free agency. The bold plan would reshape the Cavaliers into instant contenders while signaling commitment to Donovan Mitchell, though it relies on complex moves and aging superstars.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be one of the most aggressive teams before the trade deadline, and a wild idea is starting to make sense in NBA circles. A way exists where Cleveland ends up with James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo and eventually LeBron James on the same roster.
It starts with James Harden. Reports say the Cavaliers and Clippers have spoken about a possible deal. Cleveland has interest because Darius Garland has struggled with injuries and the team needs a new spark next to Donovan Mitchell. Harden’s salary is very close to Garland’s, which makes a straight swap possible under league rules since the Cavs cannot combine contracts as a second apron team.
The deal would be simple. Garland goes to Los Angeles and Harden comes to Cleveland. The Clippers get a younger All Star guard for their future, while the Cavs get an elite playmaker who can help immediately.
The second move is bigger. Cleveland would try to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee. Because of salary limits, a third team like Brooklyn would need to help make the numbers work. In this idea, the Bucks would receive Evan Mobley, Lonzo Ball, draft picks and a young player from Brooklyn. The Nets would take on salary and get future pick swap rights. Cleveland would land Giannis and his brother Thanasis.
This move would only make sense if Giannis feels the team is ready to win right away. Having Harden and Mitchell already in place could convince him to commit long term instead of leaving after two seasons.
The final step would not happen at the deadline. It would happen in the summer. LeBron James has a large expiring contract and control over any trade. Instead of forcing a deal now, he could wait and return to Cleveland in free agency on a smaller contract. That would allow the Cavs to keep depth and also possibly bring in his son Bronny.
A starting five of Mitchell, Harden, LeBron, Giannis and Jarrett Allen would instantly become the most talked about team in the league. It would also send a message to Donovan Mitchell that Cleveland is serious about winning, which matters because he can leave in 2027. This would be the kind of move that changes how players view the franchise.
It is a risky plan built around aging stars, but Cleveland’s current young core has not broken through in the playoffs. Taking a huge swing like this might be the only way the Cavaliers turn into a true championship team again.
It starts with James Harden. Reports say the Cavaliers and Clippers have spoken about a possible deal. Cleveland has interest because Darius Garland has struggled with injuries and the team needs a new spark next to Donovan Mitchell. Harden’s salary is very close to Garland’s, which makes a straight swap possible under league rules since the Cavs cannot combine contracts as a second apron team.
The deal would be simple. Garland goes to Los Angeles and Harden comes to Cleveland. The Clippers get a younger All Star guard for their future, while the Cavs get an elite playmaker who can help immediately.
The second move is bigger. Cleveland would try to bring Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee. Because of salary limits, a third team like Brooklyn would need to help make the numbers work. In this idea, the Bucks would receive Evan Mobley, Lonzo Ball, draft picks and a young player from Brooklyn. The Nets would take on salary and get future pick swap rights. Cleveland would land Giannis and his brother Thanasis.
This move would only make sense if Giannis feels the team is ready to win right away. Having Harden and Mitchell already in place could convince him to commit long term instead of leaving after two seasons.
The final step would not happen at the deadline. It would happen in the summer. LeBron James has a large expiring contract and control over any trade. Instead of forcing a deal now, he could wait and return to Cleveland in free agency on a smaller contract. That would allow the Cavs to keep depth and also possibly bring in his son Bronny.
A starting five of Mitchell, Harden, LeBron, Giannis and Jarrett Allen would instantly become the most talked about team in the league. It would also send a message to Donovan Mitchell that Cleveland is serious about winning, which matters because he can leave in 2027. This would be the kind of move that changes how players view the franchise.
It is a risky plan built around aging stars, but Cleveland’s current young core has not broken through in the playoffs. Taking a huge swing like this might be the only way the Cavaliers turn into a true championship team again.