James Harden explains why he sought a trade for the Cavs

About two weeks ago NBA trade deadlineLA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said the team expects to have a relatively quiet trade deadline. Fast forward to Thursday’s deadline, and both James Harden and Ivica Zubac it was traded from the franchise.

The Clippers traded James Harden to Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday before the NBA trade deadline, and Ivica Zubac was subsequently traded to Indiana Pacers just one hour before Thursday’s deadline, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s future.

Harden made his debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, where the Cavs took down the Sacramento Kings. After the contest, Harden spoke with members of the media to explain his side of the NBA trade deadline week and how the trade from Los Angeles came about.

“Life is coming at you fast!” Harden first joked before answering. “We just, I think it’s been amazing for both sides. Like we’ve been open and transparent with each other, I think it’s been the best move for both sides and I think it’s worked out well for both sides. I’m sure they’re happy where they are and they’ve got some young talent, they’ve got a couple of choices, and for me, just here with some great guys and ultimately trying to compete for a championship.

“It’s one of the best organizations I’ve been around, top to bottom, from Steve Ballmer to Lawrence Frank and everybody else in the front office to the whole coaching staff, Tyronn Lue, Jeff Van Gundy, the whole coaching staff that has helped me still become the player that I am. And then for my teammates, Kawhi (the rest) and all the other players (Leonard), and guys, I appreciate the opportunity and I would never take it for granted.”

Led by James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers have won 17 games in a 21-game streak since December 20, the best record in the NBA during that period. But Harden and the Clippers clearly saw the potential for both sides to win at this trade deadline, and they facilitated a deal that sent Harden to Cleveland and brought Darius Garland to Los Angeles.

The Cleveland Cavaliers rookie point guard says he was informed a trade was in the talks a week before the NBA trade deadline.

“Maybe about a week before?” Harden added. “Maybe about a week before, I was informed that a trade was possible and that’s when I was like, ‘Oh wow.’ But I and L. Frank, we talked about my contract not being guaranteed. I understand that part. There’s a part where if we’re not good enough, they have to make decisions for their team. The opportunity presented itself and it was like, okay, I had to make a decision that was best for my family. I think both sides made the right decision. Kudos to those guys. Lots of love to those guys. I hope the best for them and much success. As for the Cavs, I’m excited to be here and have a bright future for us.”

Harden played a total of 195 of a possible 205 regular season games (95.1%) during his three seasons with the LA Clippers, averaging 21.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals in those appearances. He set a franchise record with 55 points in the Clippers’ win against the Charlotte Hornets on November 22, 2025.

His time, although short, will be fondly remembered by members of the organization and fans.

“My job is to go out there and be a leader, to be helpful, to encourage not just the players, but the staff members. We’re human. So it was just an opportunity to connect with people, understand them, what they’re going through in real life and who they are as people, their families, their kids. That’s what it’s all about. People on the outside looking in, making things, joking, joking, joking on social media.’ But in reality we all live real lives and we all have jobs. I feel like I’ve done my job in terms of making an impact on, maybe it’s one individual, maybe it’s an entire organization.

“Basketball is one thing. You try to win championships, but only one team wins championships. But you can still be a really good person in your time and wherever you are to people. Because you never know who’s having a bad day. You never know what kind of impact you can make on someone’s day or life. That was true love for me. But like I said, this year is my job. life goes on and you have to get on with it.”

In his debut with the Cavs, Harden had 23 points, two rebounds and eight assists, including 15 points in the fourth quarter to help Cleveland hang on to beat the Sacramento Kings.