James Harden earned Zach Lowe’s respect on his way out of the Clippers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden earned renewed respect from Zach Lowe after his trade from the Los Angeles Clippersaccording to comments made on the last episode of Zach Lowe’s show.

In this episode, Lowe explained why Harden’s approach to his exit from the Clippers resonated with him, framing the move as a pure business decision rather than a messy breakup.

“I’m really starting to enjoy how cold and brash and mercenary he is. It’s funny. It’s like he’s the only player who treats us like property, we’re just property to them. Well, look, you didn’t pay me long term, I don’t think we’re going anywhere. I like playing at home. I like Los Angeles, but you wanted to be here Paying me, I’m going somewhere where I could win and they could pay me and I’m ready to break some stuff on the way out.

Lowe added that despite Harden’s reputation for turbulent outings, his tenure with the Clippers never reached that point.

“They haven’t gotten to that point now, because I think it’s been a pretty cooperative relationship between Harden and the Clippers and everybody’s gotten along from day one. Certainly since the day he signed that contract. But I just respect his mercenary nature.”

James Harden’s criticism of Zach Lowe is changing as the Cavaliers take over from the Clippers

The remarks are significant given Lowe’s long-standing criticism of Harden’s postseason performance, particularly during earlier stops in his career. Harden, now 36, played for six franchises, starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by extended stints with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Clippers and, most recently, Cleveland.

Cleveland acquired Harden on Tuesday in the trade that sent Darius Garland and a second-round pick to Los Angeles in 2026. Harden was in his third season with the Clippers and averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, 34.7% from three-point range and a career-high 90.1% from the free throw line. He appeared in 44 games, logging 35.4 minutes per contest.

The Cavaliers enter the next stretch of the schedule at 30–21, sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Harden is expected to bolster Cleveland’s backcourt by looking for extra play and late-game points as the season progresses.

Cleveland continues its five-game road trip on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are 23-26, at 10:30 PM ET. Neither James Harden nor Darius Garland are expected to play as both teams manage the rotation after Tuesday’s trade.