Mitchell & Harden: Cavs Duo Eye Championship After Trade
- — The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a resounding statement Wednesday night, dismantling the Los Angeles Clippers 124-91, a game imbued with unusual emotional weight just hours after completing a...
- However, the on-court triumph was interwoven with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to Darius Garland, who was traded to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden.
- The trade itself has sent ripples through the league, with the Cavaliers betting on a short-term boost in championship contention by adding the 36-year-old Harden, despite his age.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a resounding statement Wednesday night, dismantling the Los Angeles Clippers 124-91, a game imbued with unusual emotional weight just hours after completing a blockbuster trade. The victory, secured , marked the Cavaliers’ ninth win in their last eleven games and solidified their fourth-place position in the Eastern Conference with a 31-21 record.
However, the on-court triumph was interwoven with the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to Darius Garland, who was traded to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden. Following the game, each Cavaliers player individually approached Garland, offering hugs and exchanging words – a testament to the bonds forged during Garland’s time in Cleveland.
The trade itself has sent ripples through the league, with the Cavaliers betting on a short-term boost in championship contention by adding the 36-year-old Harden, despite his age. Harden, averaging 25.4 points and 8.1 assists this season, represents a significant offensive addition for a team already boasting the league’s highest payroll.
The driving force behind the acquisition, according to sources, was Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell and Harden connected by phone night, discussing their shared ambition: a championship. “We both want the same thing. We both want a championship,” Mitchell stated after the game. Their conversation reportedly included reminiscing about past workouts and competitive battles.
Mitchell acknowledged the adjustment period ahead, stating, “It’s not plug-and-play. We know there is going to be a period where we have to adjust. But James is one of the best to ever do it.” He emphasized the potential of their pairing, describing it as potentially “scary to deal with” for opposing teams.
The Cavaliers’ front office clearly signaled its commitment to winning now, a move underscored by coach Kenny Atkinson, who highlighted ownership’s dedication to enhancing the team’s competitiveness. Atkinson described Harden as “one of the best passers in NBA history,” a skill set he believes aligns perfectly with the Cavaliers’ offensive strategy. Atkinson also noted he spoke with mentor Mike D’Antoni to discuss tactics and how to best utilize Harden, drawing parallels to Harden’s successful run with D’Antoni in Houston.
The decision to trade Garland, a key figure in the Cavaliers’ recent resurgence, wasn’t taken lightly. The team, burdened by a high payroll and facing a ticking clock with Mitchell’s contract (with a player option for the 2027-28 season), determined that standing pat wasn’t a viable option. The Cavaliers had not been able to “get it done” for the past three years, and the trade was seen as a necessary step to capitalize on their current window.
While acknowledging the emotional toll of losing Garland, Mitchell emphasized the enduring bond between the two players. “There’s a love there outside of just the game,” he said. “It’s not like…you know. I’m not going to lie, I see the stuff that is being written and being said. But it ain’t none of that. There’s still that bond. There always will be.”
The Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency has been on the rise, ranking third in the league with a rating of 118.4 during their recent winning streak. Adding a player of Harden’s caliber is expected to further elevate their offensive capabilities, though Atkinson cautioned that it will take time to integrate him seamlessly into the existing system.
Atkinson stressed the need for collaboration between himself, Mitchell, and Harden to determine the optimal rotations and strategies. He expressed confidence that the presence of high-IQ players like Harden would simplify the coaching process. “Usually when you have such talented players…it makes it a heck of a lot easier for the coaching staff to figure out,” he said.
The Cavaliers are currently listed at +350 to win the Eastern Conference, according to FanDuel.
The immediate aftermath of the trade saw a dominant performance against Harden’s former team, but the true test will come as the Cavaliers navigate the challenges of integrating a new star and forging a cohesive unit capable of contending for a championship. As Mitchell stated, “Here’s the time. Gotta go out and do it.”