Jayson Tatum
March 2026
Tatum scored 20 and hit a key late three as Boston won 109-98, continuing his controlled minutes ramp-up after an Achilles rupture. After an emotional home return, he said the road routine felt more “normal,” played 27 minutes again, struggled through the middle quarters, then closed strong in the fourth with his minutes managed for precaution.
James Harden
March 2026
Harden returned from a right thumb fracture and posted 22 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in a 106-102 win over Brooklyn. He missed two games after the injury versus the Knicks, then helped Cleveland swing the game with free throws, threes, and a four-point play; he is averaging 19.3 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds since arriving via trade from the Clippers on Feb. 3.
James Harden
February 2026
James Harden missed Cleveland’s game against Milwaukee due to a right thumb fracture, with the Cavaliers also short-handed without Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. X-rays confirmed a non-displaced fracture after the Knicks game; Cleveland listed Harden for treatment and evaluation while managing additional starter absences through injury.
James Harden
February 2026
Harden has a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx after getting hurt in Cleveland’s 109-94 win over the Knicks and will undergo treatment and evaluation. He was examined postgame and diagnosed via X-ray; the veteran, recently acquired from the Clippers, has produced strong early numbers in Cleveland, creating a short-term rotation and playmaking concern while his status is assessed.
Darius Garland
January 2026
Garland addressed being traded to the Clippers for Harden, said it was not a shock, and is waiting for clearance to debut with no timetable due to a toe sprain. Clippers plan to adjust style around Garland’s pace and ability to play on or off the ball. Cleveland’s motivation was scoring support for Mitchell, while LA’s was getting younger ahead of an offseason without a first-round pick. Atkinson said he will miss Garland but expects Lue to get the best out of him.
Lonzo Ball
January 2026
Reports say Ball is being sent to Utah in a three-team structure and is expected to be waived, making him a free agent once he clears waivers. The write-up cites Ball’s reduced production/role, major knee surgery history, and remaining contract structure (one year left plus a team option), while noting the Hawks add Landale.
James Harden
January 2026
Multiple reports say the Clippers are sending Harden to Cleveland for Garland plus a future second-round pick, reuniting Harden with the East and pairing him with Mitchell. The framing is win-now for Cleveland with a 36-year-old high-usage scorer, while the Clippers get a 26-year-old two-time All-Star guard to reset their timeline. Lue publicly praised Harden’s impact as the reports surfaced.
Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings
January 2026
Cleveland sent Hunter to Sacramento; Cleveland received Schröder, Ellis, and two-way player Miller; Chicago received Šarić and two second-round picks. Cleveland adds guard depth and flexibility; Sacramento continues reshaping a struggling season; Chicago turns the move into picks while taking on Šarić.
De’Andre Hunter, Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis, Dario Šarić
January 2026
Cleveland reportedly sent Hunter to Sacramento; Cleveland received Schröder and Ellis; Chicago received Šarić and two second-round picks. Cleveland adds depth and reduces tax impact; Sacramento pivots toward rebuild; Chicago takes salary plus draft compensation as part of the three-team structure.
Kenny Atkinson
January 2026
Atkinson was fined $50,000 for aggressively pursuing and berating an official and making inadvertent contact, leading to an ejection. The incident occurred with 10:59 left in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s 126-113 loss to Phoenix, when Atkinson received his second technical foul.
