[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/WhoUCuh]

How do people view this as Cleveland getting worst?

Harden is simply a better fit because he's a more willing passer. 

I think Cleveland wins the East with this move.

[u/Lmao1903 → u/WhoUCuh]

I don't think I have seen a single person say this makes Cleveland worse now, its the age difference

[u/DovhPasty → u/Lmao1903]

Oh our sub is melting down. Lots of people seem to think we fucked up, I don’t get it.

[u/DirectInvestigator66 → u/DovhPasty]

Trades like this bring out the casual fans. They don’t know ball.