James Harden’s time with the Los Angeles Clippers has officially come to an end. The NBA confirmed the former NBA MVP’s blockbuster trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, marking the end of his two and a half year stint in L.A. In exchange for Harden, the Cavs sent two-time All-Star point guard Darius Garland and a future second-round pick to the Clippers.
Reports on Harden’s desire to leave L.A. came as a surprise. In fact, the news broke during the Clippers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. This was while Harden sat out his second straight game for personal reasons.
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On Tuesday night, Harden spoke out for the first time after his unexpected move away from the Clippers. Speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the 11-time All-Star spoke honestly about his departure. For starters, Harden denied asking for a trade.
“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,” Harden said, via Shelburne. “Okay, 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 other situations weren't like that.
“And that's why I can respect [Clippers owner Steve Ballmer] and [President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank] and [head coach Tyronn Lue] because they didn't put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.”
Harden went on to say that the real reason for his decision to leave is his desire to win his first career championship. The 36-year-old said that he “didn't want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital.
Harden continued, “In Cleveland, 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 LA and give it a go—I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
Harden has nothing but love for the Clippers. He acknowledged that he wasn’t able to achieve his objectives with the team. However, he is adamant that he will always look back at his time in L.A. with fondness.
“We had a hell of a two and a half years,” Harden said. “We didn't reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but I think we built some great memories, had some great 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 has played 195 regular-season games for the Clippers since joining the team in 2023. He leaves L.A. with averages of 21.1 points on 41.8% shooting, 5.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.9 triples per contest.