James Harden‘s trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers has shaken up the NBA market and redefined the competitive landscape for both franchises. The 11-time All-Star and ninth-leading scorer in league history (28,805 points), and second in three-pointers made (3,310), is heading East in a deal that sends Darius Garland to California along with a future second-round draft pick
Harden’s departure comes after a summer of failed negotiations with the Clippers. The player was seeking greater contractual security after a solid season (22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists) in which he was named to the All-NBA Third Team, but the Los Angeles franchise opted not to offer him a long-term deal due to his age (he will turn 37 in August) and its priority to maintain future flexibility.
Absent for personal reasons
In the days leading up to the trade, talks with Cleveland intensified and Harden missed games against Phoenix and Philadelphia for personal reasons. Tyronn Lue then confirmed that the player was at home, as the outcome of the deal approached.
We had an amazing two and a half years. We didn’t achieve the goals we wanted, but we built great memories, victories and fun moments
Harden explained that he had an especially emotional day at the Clippers’ facilities when he already knew his departure was imminent. “We had two and a half incredible years. We didn’t reach the goals that we all wanted, but I think we built great memories, wins and fun moments,” he said.
Explanation and objectives
The shooting guard stressed that his decision was marked by the business nature of the NBA. “At the end of the day this is a business and I think both sides got what they wanted. We’re in a good place and very happy,” he said, before adding: “I’m excited for Cleveland. I’m still chasing my first championship and I’ll do whatever it takes to win”.
In the end, this is a business and both sides got what they wanted. I’m excited for Cleveland. I’m still chasing my first championship and I’ll do whatever it takes to win
Harden also denied that he had forced his way out of Los Angeles. “It wasn’t like that at all. In life, not just in basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end a relationship without breaking it. Sometimes you just don’t see a future together,” he explained, showing respect for Steve Ballmer, Lawrence Frank and Tyronn Lue for the management of the process.
From a sporting perspective, the shooting guard believes Cleveland offers him a real opportunity to compete for the title. “As a basketball connoisseur, I think we have a little bit more options,” he said of a team that is fifth in the East with a 30-21 record.
Harden’s arrival immediately raises the Cavaliers’ competitive ceiling and forms one of the most fearsome backcourt pairings in the league alongside Donovan Mitchell. Both are among the few players averaging at least 25 points and five assists per game this season, a statistic that reinforces the Ohio team’s aspirations.
Cavs’ options soar in betting
The impact of the move was also reflected in the betting markets: in just 24 hours, Cleveland’s odds to win the championship went from 22-1 to 12-1, putting them among the top three contenders alongside Denver and Oklahoma City.
“As a basketball connoisseur, I think we have a few more options
For the Clippers, the trade opens a new era marked by the reconfiguration of the project. Despite a disastrous start to the season (6-21), Harden led a reaction that saw the team win 17 of its last 21 games and return to the fight for ‘play-in’ places, although the club ultimately opted to accelerate the transition.
New Clippers cycle with Garland
The player chosen to lead this new cycle is 26-year-old Darius Garland, one of the key pieces in Cleveland’s rebuilding after LeBron James‘ departure. A two-time All-Star, the point guard’s progress has been hampered this season by toe injuries, but his profile fits both the present and future of the California franchise.
Garland had his best season in the 2024-25 season, when he averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists, shot over 40% from three-point range and helped the Cavaliers to 64 wins and the best offense in the league. His departure symbolizes the end of an era in Ohio and the beginning of a determined gamble on the experience of Harden.
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