James Harden’s latest trade saga was short-lived, as the 2018 NBA MVP was shipped to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, one day after news broke that he requested a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers amid behind-the-scenes tensions.
However, according to Harden, that narrative couldn’t be farther from the truth, as he and the Clippers parted ways on amicable terms.
James Harden Pours Cold Water on Trade Demand Reports
News of Harden’s reported discontent sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape on Monday, as LA was in the midst of a midseason resurgence, going 17-5 following its nightmarish 6-21 start.
Various outlets speculated on the reasoning behind Harden seeking greener pastures, with NBA insider Marc Stein attributing it to the Clippers being “unwilling to make a longer [financial] commitment” to the 11-time All-Star.
On Tuesday, news broke that Harden was relocated to one of his initially rumored landing spots, the Cavaliers, in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.
Per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, who “spoke to a reflective James Harden” after the deal, the 36-year-old “denied asking for a trade and thanked the Clippers for the opportunity to play the last two and a half years in his hometown.”
“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,” Harden told Shelburne.
“Okay, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other, whatever the case may be. I feel like other situations weren’t like that. And that’s why I can respect Steve [Ballmer] and [Lawrence Frank] and [Tyronn Lue] because they didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.”
The blockbuster move landed LA (23-26) a 26-year-old All-Star-caliber playmaker in Garland, who is expected to help the franchise “now and in the future” as it looks to make a Western Conference playoff push.
Meanwhile, Harden receives a “win-now opportunity” with a competitive Donovan Mitchell-led Cleveland squad (30-21) looking to contend in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
“I didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden added.
“In Cleveland I see an opportunity to win in the East— 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.”
The 17-year veteran, who joined LA in late 2023, concluded by underscoring that he leaves with “great memories” despite the organization’s failure to advance beyond Round 1 of the postseason during his 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,” Harden shared.
“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. I’m excited about Cleveland —I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”
With elite averages of 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.1 3-pointers per game through 44 outings this season, Harden could be the missing piece that pushes the Cavaliers over the top.
