James Harden
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James Harden looks to help the Cavs make a deep playoff run.
James Harden has a clear picture of what he wants in joining the Cleveland Cavaliers via a trade on Tuesday.
“I see an opportunity to win in the East,” Hardentold ESPN after the news broke. “They got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So 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.”
Harden has piled on many individual accolades in his 17-year career with an MVP, scoring titles, All-Star appearances, and All-NBA first team honors. However, he has never won a title, and he hasn’t been to the NBA Finals since his first career stop with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012.
Cleveland has a 30-21 record for fifth in the Eastern Conference, but the Cavaliers had much higher expectations for the season after earning the No. 1 seed last year. The Cavaliers traded away guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick for Harden on Tuesday to boost chances in the second half of the season.
“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,” Harden said. “I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”
James Harden is Having a Strong Season
Harden has been going strong with 25.4 points per game for the Clippers before the trade. He tried to help the Clippers (23-26) turn things around after a dismal start, but he is looking forward to the new opportunity.
“We had a hell of a 2½ years,” Harden said about 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.”
Now, Harden joins forces with Donovan Mitchell, which gives the Cavaliers a strong 1-2 scoring punch. Mitchell is averaging 28.8 points per game this season.
“James Harden has cemented himself as an all-time great in this league and he adds another elite playmaker and All-NBA talent to our roster,” Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a statement on Wednesday. “We’re excited about the impact he will have on our group and our championship aspirations. His presence will elevate our offense, create opportunities for teammates, and bring valuable playoff experience at both ends of the floor.”
Cavaliers’ Koby Altman Addresses Darius Garland Departure
Cleveland gave up a quality player in Garland, but he had been dealing with injury this season and only appeared in 26 games.
“At the same time, we deeply appreciate what Darius Garland has meant to this franchise and the city of Cleveland,” Altman said. “Over the past seven seasons, Darius grew into an All-Star, a leader, and the heartbeat of our team.”
“This decision was not made lightly, as Darius consistently represented the Cavaliers and our community with grace and joy that resonated with his teammates and our fans, both at Rocket Arena and across the NBA,” Altman added. “We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given this organization.”
“The difficulty of this trade reflects the utmost respect we have for him, and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Los Angeles Clippers,” Altman concluded.