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.

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.

With those transactions finalized, the Clippers now move forward with Kawhi Leonard as the unquestioned centerpiece of the franchise. The front office’s decisions suggest a retooling phase built around Leonard’s two-way impact, while adding younger talent, draft capital, and roster flexibility for the future.

The updated Clippers roster now includes Bradley Beal, Kawhi Leonard, Kobe Sanders, Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanović, Darius Garland, Brook Lopez, Cam Christie, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, TyTy Washington, John Collins, Jordan Miller, Benedict Mathurin, Nicolas Batum, and Isaiah Jackson.

According to Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers ultimately received additional draft compensation from the Indiana Pacers. Los Angeles acquired a 2026 first-round pick, protected 1–4 and 10–30, along with an unprotected 2029 first-round pick from Indiana. The return strengthens the Clippers’ long-term outlook as they reshape the roster around Kawhi Leonard.

Clippers projected lineup

Despite the criticism and controversy surrounding these moves, the Clippers still appear to have the tools to compete. The front office clearly opted for a change in direction, adding younger pieces and fresh energy that could better complement Leonard and balance the roster moving forward.

Projected Clippers lineup:

PG – Darius Garland

SG – Benedict Mathurin

SF – Kawhi Leonard

PF – John Collins

C – Brook Lopez

Pacers make subtle but purposeful moves

After a disappointing season, the Pacers chose to pivot toward a retooling phase following the injury to star Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana moved on from key but replaceable contributors, including Myles Turner and later Benedict Mathurin, in an effort to secure assets and stabilize its future.

With draft picks in hand and a healthy core projected for the next NBA season, Indiana can envision a competitive path forward. On paper, the Pacers have the depth and talent to position themselves as contenders once again.

Projected Pacers lineup:

PG – Tyrese Haliburton

SG – Andrew Nemnhard

SF – Aaron Nesmith

PF – Pascal Siakam

C – Ivica Zubac

NBA Insider Brett Siegel and Clutch Points‘ Tomer Azarly have reported that the Clippers have initiated trade discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers concerning James Harden. This unexpected development unfolded just days before the trade deadline.

Azarly and Siegel revealed, “The LA Clippers are in advanced trade talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers, potentially trading James Harden for guard Darius Garland.” Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix was the first to break news on this potential negotiation between the two teams.

Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented lineups, the Clippers have underperformed this season, posting a disappointing 23-26 record. Given the team’s struggle, the fanbase had high expectations for better results, with Harden’s performance being a particular point of contention.

How are Harden negotiations progressing?

The sudden trade discussions around Harden have surprised the NBA realm due to his significance with the Clippers since his arrival in 2022. However, his recent performance coupled with the team’s challenges may be driving the consideration for a trade before the deadline.

The report suggests that talks with the Cavaliers are progressing, although both teams are negotiating additional compensatory terms. Azarly and Siegel noted, “The Cavs have indicated a desire for additional draft compensation for Garland. League sources confirmed that the Clippers declined Cleveland’s request for a future draft pick.“

Other teams reportedly interested in Harden

In addition to the Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves are also reportedly in conversations with the Clippers regarding Harden. They are actively seeking a strong complement to Anthony Edwards, the team’s cornerstone in their quest for a championship run this season.

With only a few days remaining to determine Harden’s future, there is still a possibility of him remaining in a Clippers uniform for the rest of the season. However, the next 48 hours will be crucial in deciding the fate of the 36-year-old NBA star.

In NBA history, turnovers have long revealed a side of the game that scoring totals often miss. When offenses become centralized and possessions accelerate, the margin for error narrows and mistakes begin to accumulate over a full season.

Many of the highest turnover totals came during years of extreme usage. Star players handled the ball on nearly every trip, pushing tempo, forcing reads, and operating within systems built entirely around their decisions.

Those seasons unfolded in different eras and under different styles, but they shared a common thread. Constant pressure and creative freedom combined to produce numbers that still stand apart in the league’s statistical history.

Who holds the record for most turnovers in a single season?

In a league where ball control is as prized as scoring, one player’s statistical mark stands out for all the wrong reasons. The single-season NBA record for turnovers belongs to James Harden, who coughed up possession a staggering 464 times during the 2016-17 campaign while with the Houston Rockets.

That total tops every player in league history since turnovers were officially tracked for individuals starting in 1977-78. His 2016-17 season was one of heavy usage, as he regularly led the Rockets in minutes, shot attempts and assists — a combination that often puts a heavy burden on ball handlers.

The volume of touches created opportunities for both creativity and costly miscues, culminating in the record number of giveaways. Although turnovers are a negative stat, they also reflect just how central certain players are to their team’s offense.

Behind his peak mark, other high-turnover seasons reveal how offensive roles and playing style influence this unusual leaderboard. Stars like Russell Westbrook have hovered near the top in their own seasons, and even role players can post high totals in the right context. But Harden’s 464 remains the benchmark.

Among these speculations is the potential trade of Harden. The Stein Line reported that the Clippers might consider making him available for trade before the upcoming deadline.

As noted by The Stein Line, “One veteran executive read my recent item about James Harden’s potential availability between now and the Feb. 5 deadline and said his front office, to name at least one, indeed projects the NBA’s last American-born MVP (from the 2017-18 season) to wind up in trade play at some point this winter.”

Amid this scenario and the swirling rumors about Harden’s future, the Clippers’ fanbase took to social media to express their disapproval. Many fans argue that despite the team’s current slump, trading Harden, who has been a key player, may not be the best course of action.

Harden makes NBA all-time top 10 scoring list

Amid swirling rumors in the NBA, the Clippers’ star has demonstrated his readiness to meet challenges head-on, nearing a significant milestone. He delivered a firm statement on still competing against LeBron James and joining him on the top-10 scoring list following the 103-88 victory over the Lakers.

“Don’t even say Bron in this conversation. That record, nobody is ever catching that… But just being back out there and giving my teammates an opportunity to help them win a game is important to me. It wasn’t pretty, but we got a win. So just got to build momentum off of this,” Harden said.

Although the outlook seemed challenging for the Clippers due to their previous record, they continue to place their trust in Harden to lead a resurgence. His pairing with Kawhi Leonard presents a promising formula for success in the regular season.

Harden has appeared in 24 of the Clippers’ 25 games this season and was listed as questionable ahead of the game, but he will play against the Grizzlies. He logs more than 40 minutes in a Dec. 11 loss to Houston, and it appears he comes out of that game dealing with some physical discomfort.

If Harden is unable to suit up, it becomes another hurdle for the Clippers, who have dealt with injuries throughout the season. Derrick Jones Jr. continues to recover from an MCL injury, while Kawhi Leonard missed time earlier in the year before returning to consistent minutes in recent weeks.

The 2025–26 season continues to be a nightmare for the Clippers. They sit at 6–19 overall and ride a three-game losing streak, which drops them into the No. 13 spot in the Western Conference standings and places added pressure on every upcoming contest.

Harden’s numbers

This injury is new for the veteran guard, and the Clippers move cautiously given the heavy workload Harden carries this season. He averages 26.6 points, 7.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, numbers that reflect his importance on both ends of the floor.

If Harden does not suit up on Monday, the Clippers are expected to lean more heavily on Leonard to carry the scoring load on offense. Without their primary playmaker, the team becomes extremely short-handed against a Grizzlies squad capable of taking advantage.

Calf contusion as a recurring injury

Several players across the NBA are dealing with similar calf contusion issues, including Anthony Davis and Evan Mobley, who both appear on injury reports for the same reason. When looking at the data, calf injuries have taken a significant jump from last season at the 20-game mark, according to Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports.

“This time last season, there were 18 calf injuries at the 20-game mark. This season, it’s up to 25 incidents, representing an increase of nearly 40%,” Haberstroh wrote. “More significant, however, is the elongated recovery timeline of these injuries. Per Stotts’ data, the number of games lost due to calf injuries, through 20 games played, skyrocketed from 36 to 108. A tripling of last season’s total.”

Clippers’ decision to part ways with Chris Paul had a significant impact on fans and personnel around the organization. Following Los Angeles’ 115-92 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Clippers superstar James Harden spoke with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk about the move and how stunned he was when the news broke. The veteran guard did not shy away from admitting his confusion regarding the situation.

“Woke up and saw it on social media,” Harden said. “I’m just as confused and shocked as you guys, the world…Definitely surprised me, but not just Chris, it’s a lot we were dealing with, but that’s out of my hands. I got to focus on what I got to focus on and what I can control. I guess the front office felt that was the best decision for the organization.”

As Harden pointed out, Paul’s dismissal came late at night after the team had already arrived in Atlanta to continue its road trip. With a five-game losing streak building tension inside the organization, frustration was reaching a boiling point.

Chris Paul confirmed the news

Shortly afterward, it became known that Paul had been asked to return to Los Angeles, effectively cutting all ties with the franchise. The news was officially confirmed when the veteran point guard posted his reaction on social media: “Just found out I’m being sent home.”

Although Paul’s departure surprised many, the move has little impact on Harden or the Clippers for the remainder of the NBA season. Paul had barely played and was not a major contributor on the court, meaning Los Angeles will continue operating without significant changes to its rotation or strategy.

The Clippers’ resurgence

James Harden led the offense against the Hawks, maintaining strong form with 27 points, four rebounds, nine assists, and three steals while shooting 11-for-24 from the field. He was closely followed by Kawhi Leonard, who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Ivica Zubac, who added 14 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant performance inside.