Heading for James Harden Cleveland Cavaliers Win also hopes that his trade will help Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden, an 11-time All-Star, agreed to join the Cavaliers last night in a deal that got the Clippers guard Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

At 26, Garland is 10 years younger than Harden, and the more experienced man feels the move is a win-win: The Clippers can build for the future while he joins a team that’s a contender now.

“I wanted them (the Clippers) to have a chance to really rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden told ESPN. “I see a chance to win in the East – they’ve got a great team, coaching staff, all of the above. So I wanted to stay in LA and take it, I’ve never won before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a little better chance.”

It’s been ‘2½ years of hell’ – Harden

Harden joined the Clippers from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, the third time he had been traded at his request during his career. After starting with the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2009 and 2012, Harden played for the Houston Rockets between 2012 and 2021, then played for the Brooklyn Nets until 2022.

He negotiated a contract with the Clippers last summer, hoping they would offer him a long-term deal, but felt compelled this season when it never resulted in a trade.

Joining the Cavs (30-21), he will bolster a line-up that also includes Donovan Mitchell. Harden and Mitchell are two of just 10 eligible players in the NBA with at least 25 points and five assists this season.

“We’ve had 2½ years of hell,” Harden said. “We didn’t reach the goals we all wanted to achieve, but I think we made some great memories, wins and fun moments for all of us.

“At the end of the day it’s a business and I think both sides got what they wanted, he’s in a great place and very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”

Harden denied suggestions he had requested a trade and insisted he left on good terms.

“That was not the case at all,” he said. “In life, not just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in a relationship without tearing each other down. ‘Okay, maybe we don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we’re just over each other.’ Whatever the case may be. I think that was not our situation.”

Darius Garland statistics

The Clippers are getting a good player in Garland. He averaged 18 points and 6.9 assists in 26 games this season but has not played since Jan. 14.

The 26-year-old is said to have suffered injuries to both big toes, with his right foot currently keeping him out.

Cleveland signed Garland as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 draft. His reported salary of $39.4 million this season is said to be slightly higher than Harden’s.

NBA Trade Deadline Deals

The Cavaliers have already been involved in a three-team deal before the trade deadline, which is Thursday, February 5 at 15:00 ET (12:00 PT / 20:00 GMT).

Signed guards Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder Sacramento KingsWhile forward Emmanuel Miller has joined from Chicago Bulls.

Forward or guard De’Andre Hunter moved from Cleveland to Sacramento. Kings traded Dario Saric and runoff elections in Chicago in 2027 and 2029.