How Donovan Mitchell Reportedly Feels About James Harden, Darius Garland Cavs Trade Rumors

After Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported that the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have been discussing a swap of star guards James Harden and Darius Garland, more details have emerged about the potential deal.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that it is "believed" that Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell "would welcome the addition of an experienced ball-handler like Harden to ease some of the playmaking burden he has shouldered this season."

Mannix revealed that the Clippers and Cavs have engaged in "advanced discussions" ahead of Thursday's trade deadline regarding Harden and Garland. ESPN's Shams Charania added that the Clippers and Harden are "aligned" in finding a trade destination for him before the deadline.

Stein explained that it's "understandable" why Harden would view Cleveland as an attractive potential landing spot, considering the Cavaliers' "championship aspirations after their back-to-back flameouts in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs."

An 11-time All-Star and a former NBA MVP, Harden has yet to add a championship ring to his mantle. The Clippers have turned the corner after their rough start to the season but still rank ninth in the West at 23-26, making them unlikely to contend for a title this season.

Mitchell is in a similar boat as Harden as a star player who has been eluded by playoff success. While Garland has been a solid running mate for him in Cleveland, the 26-year-old has had an up-and-down year while battling injuries throughout the season, potentially making him expendable.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps also reported on this week's episode of The Hoop Collective (41:30 mark) that "people around the league are watching the Donovan Mitchell situation" ahead of the trade deadline. It now sounds like Cleveland is planning to keep him around as the face of the franchise while giving him a new star guard to share the floor.

Pairing Mitchell and Harden together would give the Cavs a potent backcourt duo capable of dominating on offense. Cleveland ranks fifth in the East at 30-21 but would vault to the top of title contention if it is able to pull off the trade before Thursday's deadline.