James Harden Claims ‘Loyalty is Overrated’ Amid Flak for Switching Teams From Clippers To Cavaliers

After being traded for the third time in the last five years, James Harden explained why loyalty is overrated in the NBA.

James Harden Claims ‘Loyalty is Overrated’ Amid Flak for Switching Teams From Clippers To Cavaliers

James Harden (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • James Harden was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers in a surprising move at the trade deadline.
  • Harden claims that loyalty in the NBA is overrated, emphasizing that it is ultimately a business.
  • The Cavaliers have won all three games since acquiring Harden, who is averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists in his new role.

The biggest move at the trade deadline this season was James Harden‘s move to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. Harden joins hands with Donovan Mitchell, and the two guards are expected to make some noise in the East this season.

The trade was a surprise to many as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard seemed to have steadied the ship after a disastrous start to the 2025-26 campaign for the Los Angeles Clippers. They had won 17 of their last 22 games before Harden’s move.

After a slow start to the 2025-26 campaign, the Cavs have shown significant improvement since the turn of the year. They are on a five-match winning streak and currently find themselves at fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-21 record.

Based on his first-half performances with the Clippers, Harden has shown he is still an elite guard in the league. He is currently averaging 25 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. The move for Harden shows that the Cavs are throwing all their eggs into the basket, and their championship window is now.

The Cavs represent Harden’s fourth franchise since requesting a trade from the Houston Rockets in 2021. The former MVP has been criticized for demanding a trade from the Clippers. It is his third trade request in five years. In a recent press conference, Harden spoke about why loyalty is overrated in the NBA today.

The whole quote-unquote loyalty thing is, I think, it’s overrated. I think this is a business at the end of the day, and it’s a lot of money involved, and a lot of decisions that have to be made. It’s just a business at the end of the day. Not just the NBA, but people that have normal jobs have those same problems. They’re just not magnified.

The early signs have been positive for the Cavs. As Harden and Mitchell develop their chemistry, the Cavs will fancy their chances in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers have won all three games with James Harden

It has been a promising start for both Harden and the Cavs so far. They recorded wins over the Sacramento Kings, a narrow 119-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets, and their most recent game was a 138-113 blowout against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

Since the departure of LeBron James in 2018, the Cavs have struggled to find success in the postseason. While Harden has had some questionable moments in the playoffs before, he brings veteran experience and high basketball IQ to the Cavs.

Alongside Donovan Mitchell, who is one of the best scorers in the league, the Cavs boast one of the best offensive backcourts in the East this season. They will hope their recent trade moves the needle in the Eastern Conference, despite some doubts from rival teams.

James Harden is focused on playing the right way

There is no doubt that Harden is one of the greatest scorers to ever play in the NBA. He is currently ninth in the NBA All-Time scoring list. But along with his scoring, the Cavs guard is an elite playmaker as well, with two assists titles to his name.

While Harden did not have a vintage scoring performance against the Wizards, he did dish out 11 assists. He ended the night with 13 points, four rebounds, and 11 assists in under 29 minutes of action. Following the win, Harden said he’s okay with not being the main scorer every night and is focused on playing the right way in his post-match press conference.

James Harden and Donovan Mitchell
James Harden and Donovan Mitchell ((image credits – DraftKings/X)

I’m top 10 in scoring all time; scoring isn’t a problem for me. I want to play the right way and take shots when necessary, be aggressive when necessary, and when guys are open, make the right pass. We all know why I’m here. It’s one goal, and we all have that in common. Whether I take 4 shots or 20 shots, if we win the game, who cares.

In his three games with the Cavs, Harden is averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists. Harden’s trade has undoubtedly made the Cavs a better team, but adding a player of Harden’s caliber isn’t as simple as plugging him in and playing. Both Mitchell and Harden are known for their high usage rates. Mitchell ranks fourth, and Harden ranks sixth in the league in usage rates.

But after Harden’s recent statements, Cavs fans will be optimistic about their backcourt duo and their chances of making a good run in the playoffs this year. It will be interesting to see how Mitchell and Harden adjust their games to one another as the season progresses.

Also Read: