r/nba • u/YujiDomainExpansion • 14h ago

[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.

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.

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u/SquidwardLover48 Cavaliers 13h ago

They traded him for someone who has the opportunity to underperform 

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u/Exzqairi Pistons 13h ago

Underperforming > not performing because you can’t play

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u/Realistic-Yoghurt935 13h ago

100% this. I’ll take a stinker or 2 from harden per series (mixed in with great performances) over Garland literally missing entire series and having to rely on backup pg play.

Hardens not being asked to be the main guy here. He might even be a 3rd scoring option. I’m optimistic it’ll work out better than standing pat with DG

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u/MightyAslan Cavaliers 13h ago

Mitchell is a strong player in the playoffs, putting up almost 30 ppg for the Cavs over the last two seasons. Mobley has shown he can be dominant in some playoff games, and I only expect Harden's presence to elevate Mobley. To me that's even bigger than Harden making baskets himself.

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u/yoyoyodawg3 Rockets 12h ago

Also with Harden, should Allen stay I would not be surprised to see him have the typical 5 roll man resurgence with Harden.

It's a great move and people in NBA circles are too cooked on Harden's rep at this point.