James Harden Opens Up About Shock Clippers Departure

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James Harden is popping the web page on his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, formally addressing his departure and new alternative with the Cleveland Cavaliers as he continues his pursuit of an elusive NBA championship.

“In life, not even simply basketball, when issues don’t work out, there are methods to finish issues in relationships with out having to crack one another,” Harden advised ESPN senior NBA insider Ramona Shelburne, reiterating that he didn’t ask for a commerce. “Okay, possibly we simply don’t see a future with one another. Perhaps we simply outgrew one another, regardless of the case could also be. I really feel like different conditions weren’t like that. And that’s why I can respect Steve [Ballmer] and [Lawrence Frank and [Ty Lue] as a result of they didn’t put me in a bizarre place as a lot as everyone tried to make it like that.”

The Clippers initially acquired Harden previous to the 2023–24 season, the place he instantly elevated the workforce’s offensive manufacturing with elite scoring and playmaking.

Throughout his tenure as major ball handler, Los Angeles reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons whereas Harden remained a constant and dependable contributor.

Regardless of the on-court success, contract uncertainty performed a major function within the choice to half methods.

Harden signed a two-year, $81.5 million deal, with the ultimate season structured as a participant choice that solely ensures $13.3 million.

“We had a hell of a two and a half years,” Harden mentioned. “We didn’t attain the targets that all of us needed to succeed in, however I believe we constructed some nice recollections, had some nice wins and enjoyable moments for all of us. On the finish of the day it’s a enterprise and I believe each side acquired what they needed, are in an excellent place and are very completely happy. I’m enthusiastic about Cleveland —I’m nonetheless attempting to chase my first championship and do no matter it takes to win.”

Within the aftermath of the deal, Harden took to social media to thank LAC – the workforce the place he’s performed his third-most video games in his profession (195) behind the Thunder (220) and Rockets (621).

🤞🏾 @LAClippers pic.twitter.com/V95XARxcLJ

— James Harden (@JHarden13) February 5, 2026

Now becoming a member of a Cavaliers roster headlined by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, Harden believes the transfer offers a stronger path towards a title.