Veteran shooting guard James Harden has been officially traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second round NBA draft pick.
Reports of a Harden trade grew very rife as the former Houston Rockets player and the Clippers couldn’t come to terms on a contract extension leading Harden to push for a trade.
Harden is on a two year, $81.5 million contract with the second year of the deal being a player option; however, reports indicate that Harden, who is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds this season, was pushing for more guaranteed years beyond this season.
After the trade was completed and made official, Harden denied the reports of pushing for a trade and welcomed the chance to play in Cleveland.
“That wasn’t the case at all [pushing for a trade]. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital. 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 L.A. and give it a go, I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
