The NBA Trade Deadline Moves That Fueled The Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern Conference Finals Run

BusinessSportsMoneyThe NBA Trade Deadline Moves That Fueled The Cleveland Cavaliers' Eastern Conference Finals RunBySteve Bradshaw,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Steve Bradshaw is a fantasy football expert with a focus on dataFollow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 06:00am EDTDETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks off the court after being defeated by the Detroit Pistons 107-97 in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesAt the NBA trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers' made one of the biggest splashes by trading for James Harden. This meant parting ways with Darius Garland, who’s only 26 years old and a great player as well.While it’s no secret that Harden is a great player, due to the difference in age (Harden is 36), it certainly came with risk. That move has essentially forced the Cavaliers into a spot where they have to make a deep playoff run for this move to be considered a success.While the Cavaliers haven’t accomplished their ultimate goal of winning the NBA Finals, things are looking good for them right now, even after their game one loss to the New York Knicks.Harden was the main talking point of the Cavaliers trade deadline moves, but they were also able to land Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. Here’s what all three players have done in the playoffs thus far.1. James HardenHarden has led the Cavaliers in MPG this playoffs, at 37.7, just edging out Donovan Mitchell who’s at 36.3.Mitchell is still the clear number one scoring option with 25.9 PPG, but Harden has been a fantastic number two. This playoff run, Harden has 19.7 PPG.Outside of just scor...