James Harden, Darius Garland, Cavaliers
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James Harden drives to the basket on Darius Garland. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers swapped their starting point guards.
James Harden finally addressed the stunning trade that sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, breaking his silence on an exit from the Los Angeles Clippers that few around the league anticipated.
Speaking with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the former NBA MVP reflected on the end of his Clippers tenure with notable restraint, expressing appreciation for the organization’s handling of his departure while emphasizing his belief that Cleveland offers his best remaining path to a championship.
“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 said. “Maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we outgrew each other. Whatever the case may be.”
Harden added that he respected the Clippers’ leadership—owner Steve Ballmer, team president Lawrence Frank, and coach Tyronn Lue—for avoiding what he described as a messy or uncomfortable exit.
“They didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that,” Harden said.
Harden Sought Clean Exit, Clippers Prioritized Flexibility
According to Shelburne, Harden said he did not want to hinder the Clippers’ long-term plans, particularly as the franchise looks to reshape its roster and maintain salary-cap flexibility.
“I didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future,” Harden added. “I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital.”
Harden, 36, had been seeking a multi-year extension—something the Clippers were unwilling to offer as they preserved financial maneuverability around their aging core. Rather than forcing a stalemate, both sides worked collaboratively toward a resolution.
ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that Harden and the Clippers spent several days aligning on an exit that would allow the former scoring champion to compete for a title immediately, while returning value to Los Angeles.
Cavaliers Offer Harden a Title Path in the East
For Harden, the Cavaliers represented something he has been chasing throughout a storied but championship-elusive career: a legitimate opportunity to win in the Eastern Conference.
“In Cleveland, I see an opportunity to win in the East,” Harden said. “They’ve got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. As much as I wanted to stay in L.A. and give it a go—I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
The Cavaliers have advanced no further than the second round during the Donovan Mitchell–Darius Garland era, falling short of preseason expectations despite consistent regular-season success. Harden’s arrival signals a clear pivot toward urgency.
On Tuesday, Cleveland acquired Harden in exchange for Garland and a second-round pick, a bold move that reshapes the franchise’s offensive hierarchy.
Charania characterized the deal as a rare star-for-star swap with immediate implications.
“A recent two-time All-Star in Garland at 26 for the present and future, and a win-now opportunity for Harden playing at a high level at 36,” Charania wrote. “This has the ability to elevate the Cavaliers’ ceiling as they continue to compete in the Eastern Conference.”
Harden Reflects on Clippers Run, Embraces New Chapter
Despite the abrupt ending, Harden looked back fondly on his two-and-a-half seasons with the Clippers.
“We had a hell of a two and a half years,” he said. “We didn’t reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but we built some great memories, had some great wins and fun moments.”
He acknowledged the business realities of the league, framing the trade as mutually beneficial.
“At the end of the day, it is a business,” Harden said. “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.”
Cleveland’s Biggest Star Since LeBron James
Harden arrives in Cleveland as the franchise’s most decorated player since LeBron James, bringing an 11-time All-Star résumé and three NBA scoring titles to a team under mounting pressure to break through.
Whether the pairing of Harden and Mitchell can deliver what neither has achieved alone remains an open question. For now, the Cavaliers have declared their intent clearly: the window is open, and waiting is no longer an option.