James Harden acknowledged the positive moments spent with the Los Angeles Clippers, distancing himself from the notion that he requested to be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 11-time All-Star was traded during the NBA trade deadline to the Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a future second-round draft pick.

“In life, not even just basketball, when things don’t work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other,” Harden mentioned in his first interview since the trade. (Translation: In both life and basketball, there are ways to part amicably when situations do not align.)

Harden further remarked, “I didn’t want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital.”

This statement seemed to suggest a player keen on moving forward rather than obstructing the Clippers’ progress.

The Cavaliers now find themselves seated at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference with a 30-21 record. Harden looks to complement a skilled roster, teaming up with Donovan Mitchell, who boasts an average of 28.8 points per game, alongside notable players like Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.