Cavaliers Land James Harden in Blockbuster Trade

What We Know

• The Cavaliers traded Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for superstar guard James Harden and role players Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis.
• The move was applauded by Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell, who said, “It’s time. This is the moment. When we make this kind of transfer, for what purpose do we do it? To win a title.”
• Harden, a three-time scoring champion and former MVP, will join forces with young stars Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in Cleveland.

Harden’s Career Statistics

Here’s a glance at Harden’s impressive career statistics, dating back to his rookie season in 2009-10:

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct = Against; Pts = Points.

“Now is the time”

“When we make this kind of transfer, for what purpose do we do it? To win a title. That’s simply it,” Mitchell said, summing up the Cavs’ lofty aspirations following the trade. “The organization is essentially saying: now is the time. And I love it.” Allen echoed Mitchell’s sentiments, noting a “different energy” around the team.

Projections and Expectations

• The Eastern Conference is more open than ever, and the Cavaliers are eyeing a deep postseason run with Harden in tow.
• Harden’s ability to create his own shot and orchestrate the offense should take some pressure off Mitchell and make life easier for Cleveland’s young bigs.
• The Cavs are looking to build on their Top 4 ranking in the Eastern Conference and make a serious championship push come playoff time.

Did You Know?

“I love the pressure of it. I love the expectations it creates. And I love the questions it raises.” – Donovan Mitchell

FAQs

Who else came to Cleveland with Harden?

Role players Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis also joined the Cavaliers in the trade.

What are the Cavs’ expectations for the remainder of the season?

The Cavs aim to build on their strong start and make a deep playoff run, with the ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship.

How will Harden fit in with Cleveland’s young core?

Harden’s veteran leadership and scoring prowess should complement Cleveland’s talented youngsters, helping elevate their game and the team’s overall performance.

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