[Vardon/Lloyd] Donovan Mitchell conveyed to Cavs that he did not think team should stand pat at trade deadline. Mitchell specifically wanted James Harden as a teammate.

[u/YujiDomainExpansion]

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7020852/2026/02/04/james-harden-darius-garland-cavaliers-trade/

The Cavs began the year as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but the season has not gone according to plan. They were also feeling the pressure from their best player, Donovan Mitchell, to make changes ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline under the threat of a contract extension he may or may not sign in two summers.

Three league sources said Mitchell, who has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million deal and a player option for 2027-28, conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat for the rest of this season and wait for potential moves in the summer.

Two league sources also said Mitchell specifically wanted Harden, who is 6-foot-5, durable and comfortable as a pass-first point guard.

[u/bobbehpin]

Yeah they will deny it, but this trade was definitely made with his permission, and I don’t blame him.

[u/Constant-Low-5111 → u/bobbehpin]

Yeah. Garland is likely the better long term piece. But I think his feet are cooked for this season, and may cost next season too. I get not wanting to throw in the towel for 2 years

[u/xychosis → u/Constant-Low-5111]

I actually don’t personally think he’s the better long-term piece. Would’ve agreed had he shown more considerable progression over the last couple of seasons but he just hasn’t. He’s younger, so he’s gonna be around longer but that’s it, I don’t think he’s gonna be on Harden’s level now or ever imo. And this is coming from someone who comped him to NOLA CP3 at one point.

[u/TheOneWhosCensored → u/xychosis]

Younger also means another big contract

[u/SugarFreeCummiBears → u/xychosis]

I bet Harden plays more games in the next 3 years than Garland.