CLEVELAND (AP) — Despite the Cleveland Cavaliers showing their best play over the last three weeks, team president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office agree that the current roster still isn’t enough. Altman is optimistic that bringing in 11-time All-Star James Harden, along with Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, will help the team move up the Eastern Conference standings and strengthen their chances of making the playoffs.
“We had a disappointing start to the season,” Altman acknowledged, “but every year you look for ways to improve your roster and compete at the highest level. Acquiring James Harden was a major move we carefully considered, and we’re excited to have him because we know he’ll have a big impact. Adding Dennis and Keon also bolsters our defense.”
To secure Harden, the Cavaliers traded away Darius Garland, one of their core players. Garland, the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and a two-time All-Star in seven seasons, has dealt with toe injuries that caused him to miss 27 games this season after surgery.
The Clippers approached Cleveland last month about a possible Harden trade. Altman pointed out that Harden’s contract has an opt-out clause, giving him significant control over where he plays. “James chose us as the place he wants to compete for a championship,” Altman said. “We would have been happy to keep Darius after the trade deadline, but this opportunity was unique. Harden is expected to return to top form soon.”
Harden could debut with the Cavaliers as early as Saturday in Sacramento. Cleveland finishes a five-game road trip in Denver on Monday before returning home to play Washington on Wednesday.
The team was 19-15 at one point but has gone 12-5 since January 1, boasting the second-best winning percentage (.706) in the league. At 31-21, the Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, just two and a half games behind second place.
Along with Garland, Cleveland also traded DeAndre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings and Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz to acquire Ellis and Schroder. Even with Harden’s hefty contract, the Cavaliers have reduced their overall luxury tax bill with this series of moves.
Altman summarized, “We believe we got significantly better at the deadline. It’s rare to improve your team so much while also saving $100 million.”
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Fan Take: This blockbuster trade signals the Cavaliers’ serious commitment to becoming championship contenders, shaking up the Eastern Conference landscape. For basketball fans, Harden’s move to Cleveland could revive one of the league’s storied franchises and create thrilling playoff matchups in the coming seasons.
