NFL offseason trade candidates; James Harden out due to fractured thumb
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ post-deadline honeymoon period has officially encountered its first significant turbulence. Just weeks after acquiring James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster move that instantly reshaped the Eastern Conference hierarchy, the team faces a precarious stretch without their new floor general. The Cavaliers confirmed this week that Harden has been sidelined due to a fractured right thumb, a frustrating setback that threatens to derail Cleveland’s aggressive pursuit of a top-four seed.
The injury occurred during Tuesday’s statement victory over the New York Knicks, a game that epitomized the seamless fit of the 17-year veteran. Since arriving in Ohio on February 4, Harden had catalyzed the Cavaliers' offense, stabilizing the rotation and leading the squad to a blistering 6-1 record. However, that momentum came to a screeching halt when post-game X-rays confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. While the former MVP initially hoped to play through the discomfort immediately, the medical staff has opted for a conservative approach, ruling him out for Friday’s clash against the Detroit Pistons following his absence in Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
For Cleveland, the timing could not be worse. The roster is currently navigating a minefield of health issues, with franchise cornerstone Donovan Mitchell also sidelined due to a nagging groin strain. The simultaneous absence of both primary ball-handlers places immense pressure on the supporting cast just as the playoff race enters its critical final month.
Despite the grim immediate outlook, there is a distinct silver lining for the Cavs faithful. League sources indicate that surgery is not required, and crucially, the fracture is in Harden's right hand—his non-dominant hand. Reports suggest Harden intends to return to the lineup as soon as pain tolerance allows, potentially wearing a protective splint to manage the injury. The Cavaliers are officially listing him as day-to-day, desperate to avoid a slide in the standings. For now, Cleveland must find a way to replicate Harden’s 18.9 points and 8.0 assists per game production by committee, or risk falling back into the play-in tournament conversation.
The injury occurred during Tuesday’s statement victory over the New York Knicks, a game that epitomized the seamless fit of the 17-year veteran. Since arriving in Ohio on February 4, Harden had catalyzed the Cavaliers' offense, stabilizing the rotation and leading the squad to a blistering 6-1 record. However, that momentum came to a screeching halt when post-game X-rays confirmed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx. While the former MVP initially hoped to play through the discomfort immediately, the medical staff has opted for a conservative approach, ruling him out for Friday’s clash against the Detroit Pistons following his absence in Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
For Cleveland, the timing could not be worse. The roster is currently navigating a minefield of health issues, with franchise cornerstone Donovan Mitchell also sidelined due to a nagging groin strain. The simultaneous absence of both primary ball-handlers places immense pressure on the supporting cast just as the playoff race enters its critical final month.
Despite the grim immediate outlook, there is a distinct silver lining for the Cavs faithful. League sources indicate that surgery is not required, and crucially, the fracture is in Harden's right hand—his non-dominant hand. Reports suggest Harden intends to return to the lineup as soon as pain tolerance allows, potentially wearing a protective splint to manage the injury. The Cavaliers are officially listing him as day-to-day, desperate to avoid a slide in the standings. For now, Cleveland must find a way to replicate Harden’s 18.9 points and 8.0 assists per game production by committee, or risk falling back into the play-in tournament conversation.
