James Harden is the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. How does he feel about it?
The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers made a blockbuster trade on Tuesday.
Los Angeles traded future Hall of Famer James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland in a swap of two All-Star guards.
After the trade was announced, Harden told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that he didn't request a trade from the Clippers. The 2018 MVP with the Houston Rockets is also excited to play for the Cavaliers.
"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."
Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game this season while shooting 41.9% from the field, 34.7% from beyond the arc and 90.1% from the free-throw line. He's one of the best scorers and passers in the NBA despite being 36.
"I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital," Harden said, adding that he was excited to join the Cavaliers because "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."
The Cavaliers' starting lineup is now Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. That's a pretty lethal starting lineup.
Cleveland also has Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder coming off the bench now. The Sacramento Kings traded Ellis and Schroder to the Cavaliers for De'Andre Hunter.
Harden is making $39.4 million this season, with $13.8 million of his $49.2 million salary for next season guaranteed.
The Cavaliers are now under immense pressure to win the championship this season. The Wine and Gold haven't gotten past the second round of the playoffs since 2018.
Mitchell, 29, has never reached the conference finals, while Harden has been to the conference finals three times. He's 1-2.
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