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DENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of the game at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers made the bold decision to trade for James Harden at the trade deadline. They shipped Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Harden. Essentially, it was a move to go all in this season.
Harden is still one of the best offensive players in the NBA. Garland has been hurt most of this season, dealing with injuries to both feet. Garland is younger and has a brighter future than Harden does. Yet, the Cavaliers think that they can win a title this year.
Over the years, Harden has proven to be very durable in the regular season. Now, they have gotten some bad news when it comes to his health.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden shoots the ball. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Cavaliers’ James Harden has a Thumb Fracture
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Harden now has a fracture in his right thumb. That is his non-shooting thumb, so it might be something he can manage in a shorter timeframe. The Cavs are evaluating the injury further to determine what treatment it might require.
Since it’s on his non-shooting hand, Harden might be able to play through it. He is only listed as questionable for a game against the Bucks, so it might not completely hinder him from playing. Of course, it will certainly affect his ability to handle the ball.
If Harden is able to play through the injury, he likely will become an off-ball guard. Donovan Mitchell will likely become the primary ball-handler, with Harden becoming more of a shooting guard. Harden will have to wear some sort of cast on that thumb if he does play.
The Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. They have played well with Harden on the roster, as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games. With that record, they are one of the hottest teams in the NBA as they make a push for a top-four seed.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden drives the ball. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Might Struggle Without James Harden
If Harden does have to miss games due to the thumb injury, the Cavs might have an issue. Harden has played seven games with Cleveland so far. In those seven games, the Cavs have the third-best offense in the league. Cleveland might struggle to move the ball if Harden has to sit.
The Cavaliers have been hurt by injuries all season long. Garland, Sam Merrill, and Evan Mobley have all missed significant time. Now that Garland is off the team, Harden gets hurt before Cleveland is really able to get going. It’s a tough spot for a team that is all in this year.
With the Cavs being in the second apron of the luxury tax, this team is set up to win this year. If they are not able to win a title this year, there will be some serious changes coming to the roster in the offseason. Harden looks like he’s getting a contract extension, but that is not guaranteed.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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