From not playing the last two games to being traded to Cleveland, the rumors turned out to be true. The Los Angeles Clippers traded James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. The veteran is even helping the second-apron Cavaliers with the bill, making a significant financial concession to seal the deal.

“As part of the trade, Harden will have to waive his one-year bird restriction (no trade clause) and all but eliminate his $2.3M trade bonus,” according to Bobby Marks of ESPN.

Interestingly, Harden’s de facto no-trade clause expedited the trade. The trade was also due to disagreements over future security. The 2017-18 MVP wanted a two-year, $80 million extension from the Clippers, but the franchise wanted to prioritize its cap space heading into the summer of 2027.

Harden wanted a guaranteed two-year deal, but the Clippers had their plans. The 11x All-Star unceremoniously played his final game against the Denver Nuggets while the front office ramped up its efforts to bring a younger star home.

Harden doesn’t hold the power anymore, as he did with a no-trade clause. This trade to Cleveland was based on financial stability. However, there were still some emotional scenes in LA, which went viral on social media, but not with the Clippers.

The Cavaliers were in LA, practicing on USC’s home court ahead of the showdown against the Clippers. A screenshot surfaced online showing Garland’s practice session with the team, during which the President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, spoke to the 26-year-old.

According to the alleged message, “Koby exchanged a long conversation with Darius before giving him a long, emotional hug.”

This instantly went viral, and it was credited to Cleveland insider Chris Fedor. While the James Harden and Darius Garland trade was trending, this message made sense to many. However, Fedor soon denied any such reporting from his side.

“I did not say this. I did not text this. I did not write this. I did not post this anywhere. (Koby Altman has been hunkered down at the team hotel today),” Fedor tweeted his response, shutting down any further rumors or stories.

How have the reactions been on the other side of the deal, though?

James Harden trade news rocked the Clippers

Not too long ago, James Harden called his time in LA “blessed” as he got the opportunity to play in his hometown. But now that he has left for the Cavaliers, his teammates and coaches were caught off guard by the news.

After the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Kawhi Leonard, who has established decent chemistry with James Harden, spoke about this decision.

“It’s a surprise,” Leonard told reporters. “Respect his decision. Or whoever’s decision it is. That’s still gonna be my boy. Trust the front office.”

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Another Clippers teammate, John Collins, who was hyped to share the locker room with the 11x All-Star, called the move shocking.

​“It was shocking,” Collins said.

When pressed on whether the news was disappointing, Harden’s former teammate didn’t hold back.

“Hell ya, it would be a shock for me and for the team, and what we’ve been able to do,” Collins said. “Our season turned around. Definitely something different. Out of left field.”

Even head coach Ty Lue, who kept the answers regarding the Harden trade very short, summed up his emotions with one answer.

“Who wouldn’t want to have James Harden?” Lue asked.

The Cavaliers agreed with that, which is why they were eager to finalize the deal and move past their “core four” ideology.

It showcases their win-now intent to go all in come the playoffs in a few months. They might also need to consider handing Donovan Mitchell a contract extension this summer, while weighing other big trades like those of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis. Any future moves, though, will require money-dumping, and Lonzo Ball may need to find a new home.

Similarly, Harden’s approach to forgoing his trade bonus demonstrated his commitment to the new franchise.