NBA legend James Harden was interested in getting traded to the Houston Rockets before landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
The Rockets weren’t interested in reuniting with Harden, who was traded by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland.
Harden is one of the best players in Houston franchise history, but the Rockets — who are in fifth place in the West — didn’t want to trade for the 11-time All-Star despite Kevin Durant and Harden being close friends and former teammates.
“At the end of the day, it is a business, and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place and are very happy,” Harden said. “I’m excited about Cleveland. I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”
Harden told Shelburne that he didn’t request a trade from the Clippers. The 2018 MVP with the Rockets is making $39.4 million this season, with $13.3 million of his $42.3 million salary for next season guaranteed.
Harden had sought more security in negotiations with the Clippers last offseason, but Los Angeles declined to offer him a longer-term deal because of his age and an organizational prioritization of long-term flexibility.
That’s why this trade worked out well for both sides, as the Cavaliers will probably sign Harden to a new contract this offseason.
“I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden said. “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.”
Harden is averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists per game this season. He now joins a Cavaliers team with fellow All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
A top 75 player of all time, Harden is still searching to win his first NBA championship. Mitchell, Allen and Mobley have never advanced past the second round of the playoffs. Harden made the NBA Finals back in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lost to the Miami Heat in five games.
The Cavaliers are in fourth place in the East. It will be fascinating to see if Harden, Mitchell, Mobley and Allen can lead the Wine and Gold to the promised land.