DeMarcus Cousins has reacted to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ blockbuster trade at the deadline.
The Cavs have swapped Darius Garland for James Harden in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.
It is a win-now move to partner 36-year-old Harden with Donovan Mitchell in a top-tier backcourt duo.
Cousins has now shared his thoughts on whether the Cavs’ bold decision will pay off in the postseason.
DeMarcus Cousins’ verdict on Cleveland Cavaliers’ trade for James Harden
While many are excited to watch Harden and Mitchell play together in Cleveland, Cousins is sceptical about the move.
The former All-Star center does not believe that the Cavaliers have improved at all by trading Garland.
“I thought Cleveland’s expectation was competing for a championship or coming out of the East,” Cousins said. “I don’t think this necessarily puts them over the hump.
“This is not a knock on James; it’s more about the stages they are at in their careers right now.
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“You traded a young All-Star talent for an aging superstar. I don’t think that brings out the best in Donovan Mitchell.
“Maybe they feel like they corrected some needs by increasing the size of their guard combination, which is cool. They definitely did that.
“They brought in another ball-handler, and he’s also more available. All of those things are true, but as far as the overall team, I don’t think it got better.”
The Cavaliers should also be concerned about Harden’s dismal playoff record, which could give them another reason to regret trading Garland.
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
It’s now or never for the Cleveland Cavaliers after James Harden trade
The Cavaliers’ decision to trade Garland for Harden shows desperation to make a deep postseason run.
Harden is 10 years older than Garland and coming to the end of his NBA career, so the Cavs’ championship window is short.
At best, they have two seasons to win a title with this group before Harden’s game deteriorates significantly.
That’s why the trade is likely to be viewed as a mistake in the long term unless they succeed in the near future.
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