The NBA’s busiest trade week delivered its biggest jolt Tuesday when the Los Angeles Clippers sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round pick. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported: “Harden and the Clippers worked through his exit over the last few days — resulting in a beneficial outcome for the sides: A win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36 and recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the Clippers present and future.”
Shortly after the deal, however, Harden made it clear the trade was not at his request. Speaking with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Harden said he understands why it happened and is energized by the opportunity ahead. “In Cleveland I see an opportunity to win in the East,” Harden said. “They got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So as much as I wanted to stay in LA and give it a go, I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind I think we have a bit better chance.”
Harden also reflected on his exit from Los Angeles, thanking the organization for avoiding a messy breakup. “In life, not even just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other. Okay, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other, whatever the case may be.” He added that he respected Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, president Lawrence Frank, and coach Tyronn Lue for not putting him “in a weird position.” At the same time, Harden acknowledged he didn’t want to stall the Clippers’ long-term plans. “I didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future,” he said. “I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital.”
Despite the abrupt change, Harden looked back fondly on his Clippers tenure: “We had a hell of a two and a half years. We didn’t reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but I think we built some great memories, had some great wins and fun moments for all of us. At the end of the day, it is a business, and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place and are very happy.”
Now 36, Harden joins a Cavaliers team still firmly in the playoff mix despite injuries. Cleveland sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, having remained competitive even as Garland missed significant time before being dealt. Harden will slot alongside six-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, forming one of the league’s most dangerous backcourts, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen providing interior scoring options.
Harden brings an elite résumé — an 11-time All-Star, former MVP, and three-time scoring champion — but also one glaring omission: a championship. He is one of the highest scorers in NBA history without a title, and that reality continues to shape his decisions.
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