Harden reflects on his Clippers tenure with gratitude.
James Harden is now officially a Cleveland Cavalier, and the 11-time All-Star is not looking back with any bad feelings at all.
After being traded to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick just ahead of the trade deadline, Harden spoke openly about the move and said that both sides involved handled things exactly the right way.
"I think it was just amazing on both sides," Harden said. "Just being open and transparent with each other. It was the best move for both sides, and I think it worked out very well for everybody."
Harden Tips His Cap to the Clippers
Even though the trade ends a two-and-a-half year run with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden had nothing but praise for the organization.
He went out of his way to shout out the people who made his time there special, from the front office all the way down to the locker room.
"One of the best organizations that I've been in from top to bottom," Harden said. "From Ballmer to L Frank. Everybody in the front office. Coaching staff. T-Lue, JVG, they helped me be the player that I am."
Harden was having one of his best seasons in years before the trade, averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game in 44 games this season.
Those scoring numbers were his highest since 2019-20 when he was still in Houston, and he played a big role in helping the Clippers climb back from a rough 6-21 start.
He also cracked the top 10 on the NBA's all-time scoring list this season, passing Shaquille O'Neal for ninth place.
He also made sure to show love to his teammates.
"And then my teammates. Kawhi holding it down. Big Zu," Harden said. "I'm appreciative of the opportunity and I'll never forget it or take it for granted."
The Clippers sit at 24-27 on the season and are adjusting to life without both Harden and center Ivica Zubac, who was sent to the Indiana Pacers in a separate deal.
A Strong First Impression in Cleveland
Harden wasted no time making an impact with his new team.
In his Cavaliers debut Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings, he put up 23 points and eight assists in a 132-126 win that showed he can fit right in alongside Donovan Mitchell, who poured in a game-high 35 points.
"I just gotta figure out where I fit in," Harden said after the game. "That won't be hard at all. I told the guys just do what you all do and I'll figure it out."
The Cavaliers now sit at 32-21 and fourth in the Eastern Conference, and the front office believes Harden is the missing piece that could push them past the second round for the first time since 2018.
Mitchell is putting up 28.8 points and 5.9 assists per game this season, so the Harden and Mitchell backcourt has a chance to be one of the most dangerous scoring duos in the league.
There will be questions about fit and how two ball-dominant guards can coexist, but based on everything Harden has said so far, the mindset is right.
He left the Clippers on great terms and arrived in Cleveland ready to compete for a title, and that is exactly the energy the Cavaliers needed heading into the stretch run.