One of the biggest stories in the NBA this season has been the play of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are now 4-2 in their first 6 games. Even more encouraging for the Cavs has been the performance of their guard combo, Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, who are averaging a combined 43.2 points per game this season.
For years, the Cavs have been rebuilding their roster, with high hopes that one of their young players would become their next star.
But now, considering the breakout play of their starting backcourt, league analysts can’t help but think they could be in contention to acquire another generational talent: James Harden of the Houston Rockets.
Here’s what Brian Windhorst and Zach Lowe had to say on “The Lowe Post” podcast:
Windhorst: “You might laugh but I think Cavs could get Harden. How will they ever get a player like Harden to come to Cleveland?”
Lowe: “Where exactly is Cavs going with Harden? I guess they will end up in Sexland, wherever that is…“
With Cleveland’s complicated history, and their small market location, it is notoriously hard for them to not only keep their best players in town, but also lure big name, free-agent players to sign.
If the Cavs want a “tier 1” superstars, trading for him is probably the only way to go — and this opportunity they have with Harden could be their best chance to get it done.
A package of Sexton, Garland, Nance Jr., Osman, Porter Jr., and picks is a pretty sizeable haul that would allow the Cavs to acquire Harden while keeping Kevin Love and Andre Drummond.
It’s certainly no guarantee, and Windy’s statement shouldn’t be taken as a matter-of-fact projection. But, at the very least, the Cavs could get involved in these Harden sweepstakes if they really want to, and their offer is certainly nothing to gloss over — not with the way their young guys are playing right now.
