James Harden will continue his career as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.
The Cavs will be Harden’s sixth franchise, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and Clippers.
James Harden denies asking for trade from Clippers
In his first public comment since the move, Harden denied asking for a trade away from L.A., but acknowledged that the relationship between he and the Clippers had run its course, amicably.
"That wasn't the case at all," Harden said of asking for a trade, via ESPN. "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. 'OK, 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 our situations weren't like that."
Despite a lack of postseason success – the Clippers never made it past the first round during Harden’s time with the team – the star guard reflects fondly on his time with the team.
"We had a hell of a 2½ years," Harden said of his time with the Clippers. "We didn't reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but I think we built some great memories, wins and fun moments for all of us.”
More to come.
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