The Los Angeles Clippers and James Harden were the biggest story during the recent trade period. It came as a shock to many, but for the 2018 MVP, it appears he has easily accepted the sudden turn of events. This is because he understands where the organization was coming from with its decision.
“Maybe a week,” Harden said when asked how long he knew about the trade idea.
“I was informed a trade was a possibility, and I was like, ‘Oh wow.’ But me and L. Frank had conversations about my contract not being guaranteed, which I understand. There’s a part where if we’re not good enough, they’ve got to make decisions for their team.”
He also said he holds no resentment toward the Clippers and believes the move was a win-win for all sides.
“I think both sides made the right decision. Credit to those guys. Much love to those guys. I wish them the best and much success.”
Harden’s time with the Clippers ended on Wednesday last week, when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.
James Harden makes debut for Cavs
The Beard quickly acclimated to his new team, impressing in his debut by scoring 23 points—15 of them in the fourth quarter—to help the Cavs defeat the Sacramento Kings.
Donovan Mitchell, his new backcourt partner, was not surprised by Harden’s performance despite the circumstances.
“When you have a guy who’s established like that come in and be like, ‘No, go,’ it takes that little bit of—not awkwardness, because I’ve known him—but it’s one of those things when you’re trying to figure it out,” Mitchell said on Saturday.
“It took a half to be like, ‘Okay.’ It’s a testament to him. Then when it was time for the fourth quarter, you just pick and choose.”
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