Alongside Donovan Mitchell, Harden remained hopeful about making a deep playoff push and winning his first NBA Championship in his 17-year NBA career. The new Cavaliers guard had several opportunities to win a title, but he had not returned to the NBA Finals since his first appearance with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012. Harden recently spoke with members of the Cleveland media during a Cavaliers practice, where he explained what it takes to win an NBA Championship.

“Uhh, Maybe Brooklyn?” Harden responded when asked about the last time his team was close to winning an NBA title. “It’s like I’ve been in this league 17 years and I haven’t won a championship. I guess it’s really, really hard. Like you have to be really good. You have to stay healthy and you have to have a little bit of luck. But health is the most important thing.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers currently sit in the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 39-24 record. The Cavaliers are 3.5 games ahead of the Toronto Raptors for the fifth seed and just one game behind the New York Knicks for the third seed.

How the Harden Mitchell duo is performing

In the 127 minutes that James Harden and Donovan Mitchell shared the court, the Cavaliers outscored opponents by 11.9 points per 100 possessions. Harden and Mitchell played seven games together, and Cleveland posted a 6-1 record in those matchups.

Mitchell missed some time with a groin injury and Harden dealt with a fracture in his right thumb, so the Cavaliers still had work to do before being considered true championship contenders.

“You have to be good enough,” James Harden admitted. “We’re not good enough. We’re not even talking about a championship. So first step is we are good enough and we gotta stay healthy, which we’ve seen that throughout the course of years and I’ve dealt with it. Luck hasn’t been on my side, but we’ve seen the last year in the finals. It’s a part of the game. So if we can’t be that team to where we stay healthy.”

Harden numbers

James Harden played 44 games with the LA Clippers this NBA season before the trade, averaging 25.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three. His scoring average was the highest it had been since his last full season with the Houston Rockets.

In his first nine games with the Cavaliers, Harden averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.9 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 45.6 percent from three.

“I know it’s coming soon,” Harden told the media regarding his tenure in the NBA. “Hopefully, later than soon, but it’s a reality. Everybody has to go through this at some point. Just trying to keep my body in shape and play well. We’ll see what happens in the next few years. Take one game at a time and cherish the moments.”

Harden’s statement underscores the approaching end of an era, as the generation of players who have thrilled us over the past decades prepares to hang up their sneakers and transition to life beyond the court, where they symbolized basketball greatness for their respective NBA teams.

It’s poignant to reflect on the glory days of Harden, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James, who delivered unforgettable performances, intense rivalries, and surprising outcomes during both the regular seasons and playoffs.

Harden’s career highlights

To appreciate James Harden’s significant impact in the NBA, let’s review some of the career highlights that underscore his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.

• Against the Orlando Magic, Harden recorded 60 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking the highest-scoring triple-double in NBA history.

• During the 2018-19 season, he scored 30+ points in 32 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain.

• In December 2025, Harden surpassed Carmelo Anthony to enter the top 10 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list; by January 2026, he had moved past Shaquille O’Neal into 9th place all-time.

• Currently, he ranks 2nd all-time in career three-pointers made, following Stephen Curry.

• Harden is the all-time leader in triple-doubles for both the Houston Rockets and the LA Clippers.

• He became the first player in five years to score 15+ points in a 4th quarter debut for a new team (Cavaliers).

Beyond these achievements, Harden has been selected for 11 All-Star games, won the scoring title three times, and is a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. If retirement is nearing, these achievements are a great presentation card for an induction to the Hall of Fame, but the time will tell.

During an appearance on the Club Shay Shay Show, LeBron’s ex-teammate Iman Shumpert offered this analogy, reflecting on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s profound understanding of the game.

“He is the ChatGPT of the NBA… That’s the best way I can describe him… You can ask him anything, he knows it… He’s really programmed for this… I’ve never seen someone with the guts to look a coach in the eye and say, ‘I’m not running that,’” Shumpert said about his former teammate LeBron.

LeBron’s deep knowledge of the game and his winning mentality were pivotal in helping the Cavaliers secure their first and only NBA Finals title, even though they’ve appeared in five other Finals series throughout the league’s history.

LeBron’s stats curing the 2015-16 championship season with the Cavaliers

LeBron not only possesses a championship mentality but also boasts an impressive array of stats and records. In the 2015-16 NBA season, he was instrumental in leading his team to a historic title win in Cleveland.

Here are his stats from that season, covering both the regular season and playoffs:

• Regular Season
  • Points Per Game: 25.3
  • Rebounds Per Game: 7.4
  • Assists Per Game: 6.8
  • Steals Per Game: 1.4
  • Blocks Per Game: 0.6
  • Field Goal %: 52.0%
  • Three-Point %: 30.9%
  • Free-Throw %: 73.1%

• Playoffs
  • Points Per Game: 26.3
  • Rebounds Per Game: 9.5
  • Assists Per Game: 7.6
  • Steals Per Game: 2.3
  • Blocks Per Game: 1.3
  • Field Goal %: 52.5%

With statistics like these, LeBron has consistently demonstrated his capacity for greatness across multiple franchises, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. As he enters what might be his final season in the NBA, comments like Shumpert’s are a testament to LeBron’s enduring legacy in the league.

Harden took the time to deliver a strong message about NBA player loyalty. The 11-time All-Star and 2017-18 MVP spoke passionately on the subject when asked why he and players of his caliber have continuously moved on to different teams as frequently as they have. His answer reflected the perspective of a veteran who has seen every side of the business.

“I mean, it’s basketball and the whole quote-unquote loyalty thing, I think it’s overrated,” Harden said after the Cavs blew out the Washington Wizards to extend their winning streak to five games. “This is a business at the end of the day, and it’s a lot of money involved and a lot of decisions that have to be made.

“Like, if a player isn’t producing or if you don’t see him in the future, then the front office, some of them have to do a job and want to keep their job. So they feel like they’ve got to do what’s best to keep their job, and they trade players. Or, if a guy isn’t happy and he wants to be traded somewhere else, then it’s a problem.”

Teams Harden has played for

The Cavs are the fifth team that Harden has played for in his career and the fourth organization he has been dealt to in the last five years. After eight-plus seasons with the Houston Rockets, they sent him to the Brooklyn Nets. The transaction marked the end of an era for one franchise and the beginning of a title chase for another.

A year and a half later, the Nets traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers. After a falling out with team president Daryl Morey, who had once been his most ardent supporter during their time together in Houston, the 76ers eventually moved him again, this time to the Clippers.

Harden stays focused

Harden’s motivation behind the latest chapter of his journey in Cleveland is twofold. It is also tied to one of the few items that remains on his résumé, a goal many around the league still hope to see him accomplish given the player he has been and the level of play he has delivered for years.

“Winning a championship, or at least having a chance to, and then financially getting paid for me being available and playing at the highest level for so long,” Harden said. “So, this is a business at the end of the day. I feel like players should ultimately do what’s best for them, and the front office does what’s best for them and their owner and their organization.

“It’s two sides of a story.” Contractually, Harden and the Cavs will have to hammer out details after the NBA Finals. He has $13.3 million of his $42.3 million player option kicking in on June 29 before it fully guarantees on July 11.

Harden made his debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, helping the team secure a win over the Sacramento Kings. After the game, Harden spoke with the media to share his perspective on the trade and explain how the move out of Los Angeles came together.

“Life comes at you fast!” Harden joked before elaborating. “I think it was amazing for both sides. Just being open and transparent, it was the best move for everyone. The Clippers got some young talent and picks, and for me, I get to play here with great guys and ultimately compete for a championship.

“It’s one of the best organizations I’ve been in, from Steve Ballmer to Lawrence Frank, to all of the coaching staff, Tyronn Lue, Jeff Van Gundy, and everyone who helped me become the player I am. I’m thankful for my teammates, Kawhi [Leonard] for holding it down, Big [Ivica Zubac], and all the guys. I would never take this opportunity for granted.”

Led by James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers had posted 17 wins over a 21-game stretch since December 20, the best record in the NBA over that span.

When did Harden learn about the trade?

The new Cavaliers guard said he was informed that trade discussions had started about a week before the NBA trade deadline, meaning there was a plan in place but no final agreement yet.

“Maybe about a week before?” Harden explained. “I was told the trade was a possibility. L. Frank and I talked about my contract not being guaranteed. I understood that. If the team isn’t good enough, decisions have to be made. The opportunity came up, and I had to make the decision that was best for my family. I think both sides made the right decision. Credit to those guys. Much love to them. For the Cavs, I’m excited to be here and look forward to a bright future.”

James Harden is marked as questionable for the Cavaliers vs. Kings game in the NBA’s official injury report. Additionally, Cleveland’s report lists Harden as “trade pending” for tonight’s contest against Sacramento, indicating there may be more steps to complete before he takes the court.

With this uncertainty, fans must wait for the Cavaliers‘ final announcement to confirm Harden’s availability for the upcoming game. Given that his last appearance with the Clippers was at the end of January, his play tonight seems improbable.

The Cavaliers will have to patiently await Harden’s debut in their lineup, where he will join an impressive roster featuring stars like Donovan Mitchell, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, among others.

Cavaliers’ projected lineup with Harden

With uncertainty still surrounding Harden’s first game with the team, speculation grows about the Cavaliers’ projected lineup. The team is eager to enhance its impact in the remainder of the season, currently holding a 31-21 record.

Here is the projected Cavaliers lineup with Harden on the court:

• PG: James Harden
• SG: Donovan Mitchell
• SF: Jaylon Tyson
• PF: Dean Wade
• C: Jarrett Allen

Cleveland fans are keenly following the developments regarding Harden, understanding that his contribution will be vital for the team to solidify their playoff aspirations this season.

Avdija is officially ruled out for today’s matchup due to a low back strain. He suited up in Portland’s most recent loss in New York and remains a critical piece of the rotation. His availability could play a significant role as the Blazers attempt to bounce back after one of their most lopsided defeats of the season.

Portland’s injury report also includes Jrue Holiday, who is out for personal reasons, Robert Williams III, listed as questionable while managing a left knee issue, and Blake Wesley, who remains questionable with a right foot fracture. The Blazers will need depth and discipline if they hope to compete against one of the Eastern Conference’s most consistent teams.

Cavaliers dealing with key absences

Cleveland will also be shorthanded, as Evan Mobley and Darius Garland remain out of the lineup. Guard Craig Porter Jr. is listed as questionable with left knee soreness, leaving the Cavaliers thinner than usual in their backcourt rotation.

Despite those absences, Cleveland enters the matchup as a dangerous opponent. Teams often struggle in their first game back home after a lengthy road trip, and Portland will look to avoid that pitfall against a Cavaliers group that recently reshaped its roster.

Cleveland traded De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a deal that brought Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder to the roster, with the Chicago Bulls also involved in the transaction.

The Cavaliers are coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns and will be motivated to respond as they aim to remain among the top contenders in the NBA Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Portland continues to show flashes of growth and competitiveness, but sustaining that progress will depend heavily on keeping its core players healthy and available.

According to a report from Clutch Points, the Lakers missed an opportunity to acquire the Cavaliers‘ DeAndre Hunter, who was traded in a blockbuster deal involving the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and the Cavaliers.

The Lakers’ reported interest in Hunter was thwarted by this trade, as they were reportedly prepared to offer Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht in exchange for the 28-year-old small forward.

In light of this development, the Lakers must now explore alternative options to strengthen that position. With the regular season having just passed its midpoint, any player addition that fortifies a roster could prove pivotal in the Lakers’ championship aspirations.

The blockbuster trade for Hunter

Following the Lakers’ missed opportunity to land Hunter, details of the trade involving the Kings and Bulls were disclosed in the Clutch Points report, revealing a player familiar to the Lakers’ roster from the 2022-23 season.

The Cavaliers acquired Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Kings in exchange for Hunter. The Bulls played a role in the negotiations by facilitating the Kings’ trade of Dario Saric to manage Hunter’s $23.3 million salary cap hit.

“Chicago will be receiving a 2027 second-round pick (via Denver) from the Cavaliers and the least favorable of the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks 2029 second-round pick from the Kings, league sources said,” added Clutch Points in their report.

Lakers’ remaining options in the market

After losing out on Hunter, the Lakers have identified a list of potential targets to enhance their roster for the season’s remainder. With a 29-18 record thus far, the Los Angeles franchise is eager to add depth to maintain their momentum and enter the playoffs at full strength.

Here are the Lakers’ potential targets:

• Herb Jones – New Orleans Pelicans
• Daniel Gafford – Dallas Mavericks
• Andre Drummond – Philadelphia 76ers

Looking to shore up their wing depth, the Lakers have identified Hunter as a primary target. NBA insider Chris Fedor reported on the Wine and Gold Talk podcast that a potential deal would likely center around Rui Hachimura and second-year wing Dalton Knecht.

“My sources tell me that the Cavs and the Lakers have discussed a general framework surrounding De’Andre Hunter of Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, and then bringing in a third team,” Fedor noted.

The necessity of a third team—a facilitating partner with cap space or trade exceptions—stems from the complicated financial landscape of both franchises. The Lakers currently operate just $900,000 below the first apron, severely limiting their ability to absorb additional salary. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers face second apron complications that prevent them from aggregating salaries in a trade, requiring the deal to be financially precise.

A new defensive identity in LA?

While Hunter’s offensive production has dipped this season to 13.9 points per game—his lowest average in four years—the Lakers value his 6-foot-8 frame and defensive versatility. With Los Angeles currently ranking 25th in defensive rating (118.2), a ‘3-and-D’ specialist like Hunter is seen as an essential upgrade over the Lakers’ current rotation.

On the other side, both Hachimura and Knecht have struggled to find consistency under head coach JJ Redick. Hachimura was recently moved to the second unit and is averaging a five-year low of 12.1 points, while Knecht’s minutes have plummeted to just 10.1 per game this month.

The reduction in playing time for both players suggests the Lakers may be ready to move on before the deadline to maximize their championship window with Doncic.

The Cavaliers list three players on the injury report for Saturday, including Garland. However, according to NBA Underdog, Cleveland now designates Garland as available to play against the Rockets.

Cleveland enters the contest after a road loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday in their NBA Christmas Day game. In that defeat, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 34 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Darius Garland added 20 points and 10 assists, continuing to be a steady presence in the backcourt.

Houston also carries a notable concern. The Rockets list center Alperen Sengun as questionable with calf soreness, putting his availability in doubt and creating uncertainty for a team that relies heavily on his interior scoring and playmaking.

Darius Garland’s recent numbers

Garland’s impact on the Cavaliers remains significant, and his recent production reflects that influence. Over his last five games, he averages 21.4 points, 8.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 54.3 percent from three-point range in 31.6 minutes per game.

Potential adjustments if Sengun sits

If Sengun is sidelined against the Cavaliers, Steven Adams is expected to handle a larger role in the middle, with Jock Landale also seeing increased minutes in Houston’s frontcourt rotation.

Sengun’s absence would give Cleveland a clear advantage in the paint, allowing Jarrett Allen greater freedom around the rim and easing some defensive pressure. Still, the Cavaliers must remain disciplined on the perimeter, where Houston’s guards can change the game quickly if given space.

According to the latest official NBA injury report for Saturday, December 27, the Rockets have ruled out center Alperen Sengun for tonight’s matchup due to left calf tightness.

Sengun’s importance to Houston’s 18-10 start cannot be overstated. Fresh off his first All-Star nod, the Turkish big man is averaging career-highs in points (22.7), assists (6.8), and steals (1.5), while anchoring the league’s top rebounding unit averaging 9.4 per game.

The Rockets will look to veteran Steven Adams to step into the starting lineup. While Adams doesn’t offer Sengun’s playmaking flair, he remains a physical force, averaging 8.6 rebounds in limited minutes this season.

Injury reports for both teams

Houston is already navigating the devastating loss of point guard Fred VanVleet, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. Aside from Sengun, the rest of the Rockets’ roster is healthy.

The Cavaliers are facing their own depth challenges. While star guard Darius Garland is officially probable due to an illness, the bench will be thin. Cleveland has already ruled out Max Strus (foot), Larry Nance Jr. (calf), Luke Travers, and Chris Livingston.