James Harden has been traded for the fifth time in his career. In most cases, this was his own decision, even though he denied to ESPN that he had requested a trade to Cleveland.
“When things aren’t working out in life, there are always ways to end a partnership,” Harden told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, denying that he had requested a trade from the Clippers. Instead, Harden said that a good solution had been found for both sides. “I didn’t want to limit the Clippers’ future. I wanted to give them the chance to rebuild.” In return, the Clippers received Darius Garland, and Harden noted that the Clippers also received draft picks, but these were only second-round picks.
Harden cited better opportunities in Cleveland as the reason for his move. “I believe we can win the East in Cleveland. It’s a good team with a good coaching staff. I haven’t won a championship yet, and as a basketball player, I see a better chance to finally win there.”
Harden wants championship with Cleveland
The 36-year-old has only been to the finals once in his career – in 2012 as sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the first option, Harden failed several times with the Houston Rockets against the Golden State Warriors, and there were repeated disappointments at his other stops in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and most recently L.A.
With the Clippers, he was eliminated twice in the first round. “It was a great two and a half years, but we didn’t achieve our goals,” Harden summed up. “Nevertheless, I will have fond memories of my time there. It’s a business, and I think both sides got what they wanted. I’m looking forward to Cleveland and will do everything I can to win a title.”
Statistically speaking, the playmaker is having his best season in seven years. In 44 appearances for the Clippers, the former MVP averaged 25.4 points and 8.1 assists with a field goal percentage of just under 42 percent.
