James Harden is heading to Cleveland however hopes his transfer will even assist the Clippers
James Harden is heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers to win but in addition hopes his commerce helps the Los Angeles Clippers.
Harden, an 11-time All-Star, final evening agreed to affix the Cavaliers in a deal that noticed the Clippers obtain guard Darius Garland and a second-round choose.
At 26, Garland is 10 years youthful than Harden and the extra skilled man feels the transfer is a win-win: the Clippers can construct for the longer term whereas he joins a group that may be a contender proper now.
“I needed them [the Clippers] to really have an opportunity to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden advised ESPN. “I see a chance to win within the East – they bought an excellent group, teaching workers, all the above. In order a lot as I needed to remain in L.A. and provides it a go, I’ve by no means gained one earlier than. As a basketball thoughts, I believe we have now a bit higher likelihood.”
It’s been a ‘hell of a 2½ years’ – Harden
Harden joined the Clippers in 2023 from the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the third straight time he has been traded at his request throughout his profession. Having began on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden performed for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then the Brooklyn Nets till 2022.
He had contract talks with the Clippers final summer time within the hope they’d supply him a longer-term deal however when that didn’t materialize a commerce sooner or later this season felt inevitable.
In becoming a member of the Cavs (30-21), he’ll bolster a line-up that additionally consists of Donovan Mitchell. Harden and Mitchell are two of solely 10 certified gamers within the NBA averaging at the very least 25 factors and 5 assists this season.
“We had a hell of a 2½ years,” Harden stated. “We didn’t attain the objectives that all of us needed to succeed in, however I believe we constructed some nice reminiscences, wins and enjoyable moments for all of us.
“On the finish of the day it’s a enterprise and I believe each side bought what they needed, are in an important place and are very pleased. I’m enthusiastic about Cleveland. I’m nonetheless making an attempt to chase my first championship and do no matter it takes to win.”
Harden denied solutions he’d requested a commerce and insists he leaves on good phrases.
“That wasn’t the case in any respect,” he stated. “In life, not even simply basketball, when issues don’t work out, there are methods to finish issues in relationships with out having to crack one another. ‘OK, perhaps we simply don’t see a future with one another. Possibly we simply outgrew one another.’ Regardless of the case could also be. I really feel like our conditions weren’t like that.”
Darius Garland stats
The Clippers are receiving participant in Garland. He has averaged 18 factors and 6.9 assists in 26 video games this season however has not performed since January 14.
The 26-year-old is claimed to be coping with accidents to each massive toes, along with his proper foot presently maintaining him out.
Cleveland signed Garland because the fifth total choose within the first spherical of the 2019 draft. His reported wage this season of $39.4 million is claimed to be barely greater than Harden’s.
NBA commerce deadline offers
The Cavaliers have already been concerned in a three-team deal earlier than the commerce deadline, which is 15:00 ET (12:00 PT / 20:00 GMT) on Thursday, February 5.
Guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder have signed from the Sacramento Kings, whereas ahead Emanuel Miller has joined from the Chicago Bulls.
Ahead or guard De’Andre Hunter moved to Sacramento from Cleveland. The Kings traded Dario Saric and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Chicago.
