James Harden’s time with the Los Angeles Clippers has come to an end.
This was officially announced on Tuesday when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking the conclusion of his two-and-a-half seasons in L.A. In return, the Cavaliers sent Darius Garland, a two-time All-Star, along with a second-round pick. The move surprised some, especially given recent discussions about Harden’s contract demands.
James Harden sought a lucrative contract
Reports indicated that Harden was looking for a fully guaranteed two-year deal worth $80 million when the current season finishes. The Clippers declined this request, as they are focused on maintaining salary cap space for the summer of 2027 and were not inclined to offer contracts extending beyond the 2026-27 season.
NBA legend Paul Pierce openly discussed the trade, criticizing how financial matters interfere with the game. On Wednesday’s episode of “No Fouls Given,” he voiced his concerns about Harden’s situation.
“I really hate how the business of basketball disrupts the game. We’re talking about James not getting his guarantee, and he’s focused on that,” Pierce stated. “The Clippers have been performing well. I would have liked to see them complete the season and potentially make an impact. I believe that as an eighth or seventh seed, they could cause problems based on how they’ve been playing.”
“It’s frustrating because it seems like the team’s success doesn’t matter when personal futures come into play. This could be James’ last major contract, and it affects the sport.”