James Harden has officially played his last game as a Clipper, but there are conflicting details on how, exactly, his exit played out. In a chat with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, he debunked the claim that he asked for a trade as he reflected on his breakup with the Clippers.
“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,” said Harden. “Okay, maybe we just don’t see a future with each other. Maybe we just outgrew each other, whatever the case may be. I feel like other situations weren’t like that. And that’s why I can respect Steve and L and TLu because they didn’t put me in a weird position as much as everybody tried to make it like that.”
It was reported that Harden asked for a trade from the Clippers, much to the shock of the organization. While he denied outright asking out, he did confirm that he felt he had overstayed his welcome. With the Cavaliers, Harden feels he’s found a place where he can truly compete for the title.
“[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. In Cleveland, I see an opportunity to win in the East. So as much as I wanted to stay in LA and give it a go, I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
Nobody expected Harden to leave right when the Clippers were playing some of their best basketball, but he doesn’t have any bitter feelings. He admits that he never achieved his goals in Los Angeles, but that both sides got what they wanted with the arrangement.
“We had a hell of a two and a half years. We didn’t reach the goals that we all wanted to reach, but I think we built some great memories, had some great wins and fun moments for all of us,” said Harden. “At the end of the day, it is a business, and I think both sides got what they wanted, are in a great place, and are very happy. I’m excited about Cleveland —I’m still trying to chase my first championship and do whatever it takes to win.”
It’s another fresh start for Harden and a great opportunity for the Clippers to establish a more long-term solution at point guard (Darius Garland). Still, this statement begs the question: what really happened in Los Angeles? When the rumors first began, it was widely believed that Harden had initiated his exit, but his testimony paints a different picture.
If it was the Clippers who orchestrated the trade, it really makes you wonder what they were thinking to break up their veteran core during such a pivotal point of the season. Following Chris Paul’s departure, it was the last thing they needed, and it only complicates an already volatile situation. Ultimately, whoever initiated the breakup, this is a sign that things are starting to break in Los Angeles.
If Harden is the first domino to fall, it could lead to the entire foundation collapsing, from Ivica Zubac and Kawhi Leonard to possibly even head coach Tyronn Lue. For James, this is perhaps his best chance to win a ring since his days with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and he intends to make it count for as long as he can.
