Overview
- Cleveland acquired James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and has posted an immediate offensive surge, averaging 129.6 points on 51% shooting in his first three games including a 138-113 home debut win.
- Kenny Atkinson said he is tailoring the scheme to Harden by studying his Houston, Clippers and Sixers film and even running after-timeout actions he “stole” from Mike D’Antoni.
- Clippers president Lawrence Frank said Garland’s surgically repaired left big toe will keep him out indefinitely, clarifying the medical context behind Cleveland’s urgency to move him.
- Harden told reporters the notion of NBA “loyalty” is overrated, calling the league a business and emphasizing his priorities of competing for a title and securing fair compensation.
- Harden’s 2026-27 player option is only partially guaranteed — $13.3 million locks in on June 29 before full guarantee on July 11 — creating a clear window for post‑season contract talks.