James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis react to Cavaliers trades

The Cavaliers look much different now than they did when they left Cleveland in late January for five consecutive road games.

To review, the Cavs did the following in a flurry of moves executed before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline:

Acquired — Point guard James Harden (from the Los Angeles Clippers), point guard Dennis Schroder (from the Sacramento Kings) and guard Keon Ellis (from the Kings)

Dealt to other teams — Point guard Darius Garland (sent to the Clippers), wing De’Andre Hunter (sent to the Kings) and point guard Lonzo Ball (sent to the Utah Jazz, who later waived him)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Recording artist Travis Scott talks with James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers after their win against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) talks with rapper Travis Scott after a game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots over Sacramento Kings guard-forward Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers highlights. The best images from each game of the 2025-26 season

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Nique Clifford #5 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball while being defended by Sacramento Kings guard-forward Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings guard-forward Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxine Raynaud (42) grabs control of the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings center Dylan Cardwell on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is guarded by
#42 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Dylan Cardwell #32 of the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) walks onto the court before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings. Photos from NBA game

Feb 7, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) talk at mid-court before the game at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The makeover has worked well thus far because the Cavs (33-21) extended their winning streak to four games on Feb. 9 with a 119-117 victory at the Denver Nuggets (34-20). Cleveland is 2-0 with Harden and 3-0 with Schroder and Ellis.

The Cavs will return to Cleveland to face the Washington Wizards (14-38) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Rocket Arena. It will be the first home game for Harden, Schroder and Ellis as members of the Cavs.

Here is a recap of how each of those players has reacted to being traded to Cleveland during interviews with reporters on the road:

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 9, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

James Harden’s reaction to joining Cavaliers in trade with Clippers

Harden on whether he wanted to join the Cavs: “Yeah, they were the No. 1 seed [in the Eastern Conference] last year. They’re very talented, very well coached. The organization is amazing. So, for me, I saw an opportunity, too, where I can fit in and potentially help get over that next step. I’m happy.”

Harden on what makes him believe he’s a good fit with the Cavs: “You’ve got the head honcho in Don [All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell], but you’ve got a bunch of guys that understand their roles. You’ve got athletic bigs. You’ve got shooting everywhere. … I’ve just got to figure out where I fit in. That won’t be hard at all. I told the guys, ‘Just do what you do, and I’ll figure it out.'”

Harden on playing with Donovan Mitchell: “Very, very unselfish. [In a win over the Kings on Feb. 7], you didn’t even know he got 35 [points]. He doesn’t force it. He just plays the game the right way, and it falls down the line. I’m just happy to be in an environment where I can get catch-and-shoot opportunities.”

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) shoots the ball over Sacramento Kings guard-forward Daeqwon Plowden (29) on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

James Harden stats

In the 2025-26 season, Harden is averaging 25.3 points on 42.1% shooting from the field (35.1% on 3-pointers), 4.9 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 35.4 minutes.

This is what the 36-year-old Harden, an 11-time NBA All-Star, has done in his two Cavs games:

132-126 win at Kings on Feb. 7: 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field (5 of 8 on 3-pointers), eight assists, two rebounds and one steal in 32 minutes

119-117 win at Nuggets on Feb. 9: 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field (2 of 7 on 3s), 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots in 36 minutes

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, top, and Sacramento Kings guard Nique Clifford compete for a loose ball Feb. 7, 2026. in Sacramento, California.

Dennis Schroder reacts to trade between Cavs and Kings

Schroder on his first impressions when he learned about being traded to the Cavs: “[Coach] Kenny Atkinson, of course, me and him go back to my rookie days in Atlanta. He was an assistant. Always had a great communication, relationship, and that was my first thought. Then, of course, my family as well. But I think Cleveland’s got a great fan base. Always loud in the arena, of course, with LeBron James and Kyrie [Irving] and [what] all those GOATs did. But excited to play with the guys here. They’re special, and I think we just want to come in and chip in.”

Schroder on his expected role with the Cavs: “I’ve been in the league 13 years now, bringing energy, bringing that competitive nature. Every single game, I’m gonna give 110%. I’m always treating it like it’s my last game, going out there and trying to get a win. That’s the most important [goal]. That’s what I try to bring.”

Schroder on his reputation for having an edge: “A 6-1 guard that’s 180 [pounds], you need a competitive edge to make it that long in the league, I believe. I’ve been doing it my whole career. When I was young, I always wanted to compete. I always wanted to win. I think this fits well with this team. Getting [Jaylon] Tyson, Donovan Mitchell, Ev [Evan Mobley] and [Jarrett] Allen to not talk s—, but being competitive and making sure we go out there and go after it, I think kind of the dog mentality, if we have that, we go a long way. … On the court, I don’t want to have friends. But off the court, I’ve got three beautiful kids, my wife. I’m really humble and really easy to deal with.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder, left, is defended by Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn as he drives to the basket Feb. 4, 2026, in Inglewood, California.

Dennis Schroder stats

In the 2025-26 season, Schroder is averaging 12.4 points on 40.3% shooting from the field (32.4% on 3-pointers), three rebounds, 5.2 assists and 26 minutes.

This is what the 32-year-old Schroder has done in his three Cavs games:

124-91 win at Clippers on Feb. 4: 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field (1 of 5 on 3s), six assists, three steals and two rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench

132-126 win at Kings on Feb. 7: seven points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field (0 of 4 on 3s), four assists and three rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench

119-117 win at Nuggets on Feb. 9: five points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field (0 of 4 on 3s), two rebounds, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench

Cleveland Cavaliers guards Dennis Schroder (8) and Keon Ellis (14) react after a Cavs basket against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Keon Ellis on Sacramento Kings trading him to Cleveland Cavaliers

Ellis on joining a Cavs team with championship aspirations: “It means that they take everything serious, trying to win every night, which is perfectly fine with me ’cause I love winning. So, I’m just glad to be a part of that, for sure.”

Ellis on how he characterizes his game: “I feel like I just play winning basketball — make all the winning plays. Whatever I have to do to put myself and the team in the best positions, I think I just do that night in and night out.”

Ellis on being traded for the first time in his career: “I wasn’t really too much worried about rumors or anything, but when it happened, my phone was [blowing up]. I think I had like 140 missed calls. Every time I’d get on the phone with someone, someone else calls. Everyone’s texting me. I’m trying to get back to the important people first. It was a lot, but it’s all good.”

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis celebrates after making a 3-pointer against the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 7, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Keon Ellis stats

In the 2025-26 season, Ellis is averaging 5.5 points on 39.5% shooting from the field (36.5% on 3-pointers), 1.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 17.7 minutes.

This is what the 26-year-old Ellis has done in his three Cavs games:

124-91 win at Clippers on Feb. 4: six points on 2-of-5 shooting from the field (2 of 4 on 3s), three rebounds and two steals in 19 minutes off the bench

132-126 win at Kings on Feb. 7: six points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field (2 of 4 on 3s), three rebounds, three assists, three steals and a blocked shot in 17 minutes off the bench

119-117 win at Nuggets on Feb. 9: two points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field (0 of 4 3s), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 20 minutes off the bench

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs trade reactions from James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis

James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis react to Cavaliers trades

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