Students are excited about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of James Harden.
The Cavaliers traded point guard Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for veteran shooting guard James Harden Feb. 3.
Fans are excited to see Harden’s offensive capabilities in Cleveland. “James Harden is about to come to Cleveland and cook,” senior Laron Singleton said. “I use his jumper in 2K.”
Harden played at Arizona State University for two years and was drafted third overall in 2009 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was awarded sixth man of the year before being traded to the Houston Rockets.
As a Rocket, Harden led the league in scoring for three consecutive seasons, 2017-2020, and won the NBA MVP in 2017-18. His career high scoring average of 36.1 points per game came in 2018-19. He later played for the Nets, 76ers, and the Clippers. The Cavaliers are Harden’s fifth team in the last six years
Harden, having been on a one-year contract with the Clippers, opted to sign a $81.5 million deal with the Cavaliers. Trading a 26-year-old guard for one 10 years older is uncommon, but Harden’s star power and media attention appeal to ownership. Harden has 12 million followers on Instagram compared to Garland’s 581,000 followers.
Throughout this season, Garland has played 26 games due to a broken jaw and sprained toe. Garland began dealing with a turf toe injury on his left foot in March 2025. Garland re-aggravated the injury in the Cavaliers’ first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat and missed four games during the 2025 playoffs. Now, Garland has a grade one sprain of his right big toe.
Sophomore Ke’Arryn Green said he understands why some fans might be upset to see the Cavaliers trade their longest tenured player. “I think people are a little sad to see Darius Garland go, but ultimately, I think it was a good trade overall. I think it really helped the team,” Green said.
ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania has reported that the Cavaliers are rumored to be shopping Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Lonzo Ball.
Cavaliers fans are more confident in the team’s playoff potential following the trade. “We’re definitely capable of making it past the second round,” said Green. “Maybe possible champions. They really have a shot at going all the way this year.”
Debbie Butler, Gabe Juli, Lincoln Phillips, Phoenix Randolph and John Scales reported this story.
