James Harden spoke up Tuesday for the first time since news broke that he was being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Harden was dealt to the Cavs after two and a half seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, in a move that saw the former MVP work in tandem with the Clippers’ brass to get a deal done. Harden cleared the air about the deal in a conversation with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Harden reportedly denied requesting a trade and spoke candidly about the move as a mutual parting of ways that was the best outcome for both sides.
“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.
“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 Steve and L and TLu because they didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.
“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. 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 had a few of his past relationships with teams turn sour to the point in rather public fashion. The 11-time All-Star infamously called Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey a liar in 2023 and demanded a trade out of Philly — the deal that ultimately sent him to the Clippers.
The Beard’s exit from Los Angeles appears to be much more amicable, with Harden even speaking fondly of head coach Ty Lue, team owner Steve Ballmer, and executive Lawrence Frank on his way out.
