James Harden dissects the trade and claims it benefits everyone – him, the Clippers and the Cavaliers

James Harden is heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers to win but also hopes his trade helps the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden, an 11-time All-Star, last night agreed to join the Cavaliers in a deal that saw the Clippers receive guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

At 26, Garland is 10 years younger than Harden and the more experienced man feels the move is a win-win: the Clippers can build for the future while he joins a team that is a contender right now.

“I wanted them [the Clippers] to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden told ESPN. “I see an opportunity to win in the East – 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.”

It’s been a ‘hell of a 2½ years’ – Harden

Harden joined the Clippers in 2023 from the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the third straight time he has been traded at his request during his career. Having started at the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden played for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then the Brooklyn Nets until 2022.

He had contract talks with the Clippers last summer in the hope they would offer him a longer-term deal but when that did not materialize a trade at some point this season felt inevitable.

In joining the Cavs (30-21), he will bolster a line-up that also includes Donovan Mitchell. Harden and Mitchell are two of only 10 qualified players in the NBA averaging at least 25 points and five assists this season.

“We had a hell of a 2½ years,” Harden said. “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.

“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. I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”

Harden denied suggestions he’d requested a trade and insists he leaves on good terms.

“That wasn’t the case at all,” he said. “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.”

Darius Garland stats

The Clippers are receiving a good player in Garland. He has averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season but has not played since January 14.

The 26-year-old is said to be dealing with injuries to both big toes, with his right foot currently keeping him out.

Cleveland signed Garland as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 draft. His reported salary this season of $39.4 million is said to be slightly more than Harden’s.

NBA trade deadline deals

The Cavaliers have already been involved in a three-team deal before the trade deadline, which is 15:00 ET (12:00 PT / 20:00 GMT) on Thursday, February 5.

Guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder have signed from the Sacramento Kings, while forward Emanuel Miller has joined from the Chicago Bulls.

Forward or guard De’Andre Hunter moved to Sacramento from Cleveland. The Kings traded Dario Saric and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Chicago.