Harden will join the Cavaliers in search of their first title
James Harden will join the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers, with Darius Garland moving in the opposite direction after the sides agreed to a trade.
Harden, 36, is an 11-time NBA All-Star and considered one of the greatest guards in history, but he has never won an NBA title.
Announcement
While the deal has yet to be confirmed by the NBA, Harden said the opportunity to win a first championship was key in the decision to move.
The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference seeking a playoff spot, while the Clippers are ninth in the West Conference.
“I see an opportunity to win in the East — they have a great team, coaching staff and all of the above,” Harden told ESPN.
“As much as I wanted to stay in Los Angeles and try, I had never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a better chance.”
Harden helped the Clippers climb up the standings after a dismal 6-21 start this season, but he missed Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers as negotiations with the Cavaliers continued.
Announcement
Harden, who won the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2018 while with the Houston Rockets, denied speculation that he would request a trade from the Clippers.
“It wasn’t like that at all. In life, not just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to break each other up,” he said.
“Maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other. Whatever the case, I feel like our situations weren’t like that.”
In five franchise stints, Harden scored 28,805 points, ranking ninth on the NBA’s all-time list.
Announcement
The Cavaliers haven’t won a title since 2016.
Garland, 26, has averaged 18 points this season in a season marred by injury.
As part of the trade, the Clippers secured a second-round pick in this year’s draft.
The Clippers host the Cavaliers on Wednesday, but Harden and Garland will have to undergo medicals before the trade is confirmed.
