James Harden Eyes First NBA Championship As Cavaliers Trade Edges Closer

James Harden is set for a move to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the trade from the Los Angeles Clippers expected to be confirmed on Wednesday. The eleven-time All-Star guard is hoping the switch finally leads to a first NBA Championship, as the deal comes just before Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

Harden is delivering the best scoring return in six years, averaging 25.4 points per game this season. That output ranks 16th in the NBA and has been central to the Clippers' revival, after the team opened the campaign with a 6-21 record and then pushed back into playoff contention.

The reported trade sends point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick to the Clippers. Approval is anticipated on Wednesday, which would officially end Harden's

two-and-a-half-year stay in Los Angeles. The move also arrives ahead of the league's cutoff point for trades on Thursday.

Harden explained the thinking behind the move, pointing to both franchises' future plans. "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 Eastthey have 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. "

Player	Team	Season points per game
James Harden	Los Angeles Clippers	25.4
James Harden	Houston Rockets (2019-20)	34.3

The 36-year-old is averaging the most points since the 2019-20 season, when Harden posted 34.3 per game with the Houston Rockets. Last summer, Harden opted out of the final year of the Clippers contract to agree a new deal that would have been worth $81.5m (59.4m) across this season and the 2026-27 campaign.

Despite the imminent move, Harden rejected claims that a trade request forced the situation. "That wasn't the case at all," he said. "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. OK, 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 our situation wasn't like that. "

Harden's journey to Cleveland follows spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Clippers. During the Los Angeles stint, Harden formed part of a core that attempted to push towards title contention, but the group ultimately fell short of its collective targets.

Back at it Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/2MzwCsS76OLA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 3, 2026

Reflecting on the spell in Los Angeles, Harden looked back on the period with appreciation while stressing the business side. "We had a hell of a two-and-a-half years. We didn't reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but I think we built some great memories, wins and fun moments for all of us. 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. I'm excited about Cleveland. I'm still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win. "