James Harden is officially a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs become Harden's sixth team throughout his 17-year career. When it was announced that the Los Angeles Clippers were sending the 11-time All-Star to The Land, the move came as a shock. Not many knew that Harden wanted to get traded.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, there was a point where it certainly didn't seem like the Cavs were a possibility for Harden.
Once again, Harden reportedly eyed a return to the Houston Rockets. Before the Cavaliers got a chance to make their offer, Harden was willing to finally fill the void of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL before the 2025-2026 season started.
Unfortunately for Harden, the Rockets "showed little interest" in a reunion. The Clippers pivoted, and here we are today. Harden was sent to the Cavaliers as their win-now piece. Garland goes to LA to help them win now, but also become a core part of their future.
The Rockets Turn Away Harden Again
This wasn't the first time Harden wanted to get back to Houston, Texas. During his final days with the Philadelphia 76ers, the rumors about a potential reunion with the Rockets were loud throughout the 2023 offseason.
At the time, there were many questions about Harden's actual chances of returning to play for a young Rockets team. They hadn't proven they are championship-ready, let alone playoff-ready. By now, they have their answer, but that summer, it was clear that Houston wasn't bullish on Harden's value.
Following a dominant decade with the Rockets, Harden forced his way over to the Brooklyn Nets. There were flashes, but it was the start of a trend. Harden plays well, the team fades early in the postseason, and Harden asks out.
That's how he got to Brooklyn, Philly, and eventually, LA. On a positive note for the Clippers, Harden didn't leave with a sour taste. There was no backlash from the star guard. The split was easy, and now he gets another fresh start on a team that isn't attempting to claw its way out of a deep hole in a tough conference.
The Cavaliers might not have been Harden's top choice, but he is certainly still embracing the move to Ohio.
Newsweek