6 years, 4 trade requests! Cleveland reporter urges Cavaliers: Please do not acquire Harden

On February 4th Beijing time, signs strongly suggest Harden will be traded to the Cavaliers. Several journalists report Harden’s eagerness to join Cleveland, and talks between Cleveland and the Clippers are intensifying. But is Harden truly suitable for the Cavs? Cleveland reporter Terry Pruto thinks not, outlining Harden’s 4 trade requests in 6 years, and begging the Cavs: absolutely do not acquire Harden! Pruto’s comments are as follows—

If the Cavaliers intend to trade for James Harden, I have only one thing to say: absolutely no way!!!

This trade idea surfaced because Harden’s and Garland’s contract amounts align perfectly with the Cavaliers’ tight salary cap. Garland has recently been troubled by a foot injury; here are the details of his contract:

2025-26 season: $39 million

2026-27 season: $42 million

2027-28 season: $44 million

Considering the Cavaliers currently face the league’s strict second luxury tax threshold, their trade moves are heavily restricted. Trading Garland makes sense from a salary perspective.

Now let’s look at Harden’s contract terms with the Clippers:

2025-26 season: $39 million

2026-27 season: $42 million, but only $13 million guaranteed

Additional note: Harden’s contract includes a trade veto right.

Does the Cavaliers really want to repeat past mistakes?

Recently, Harden has missed Clippers games citing “personal reasons” and has officially requested a trade.

The Clippers started the season poorly with a 6-21 record but then rebounded impressively with a 17-5 run, becoming the hottest team in the league. Yet at this critical moment, Harden wants out... doesn’t that say enough?

Does he still have on-court ability? The answer is yes. This season, he averages 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 42% from the field.

However,Harden’s usage rate is extremely high, his defense is weak, and he often causes unnecessary off-court drama—the ongoing situation in Los Angeles is the best example..

The Cavaliers have no need to bring in a 36-year-old guard who clearly seems focused on securing a longer-term contract.

To me, this trade looks more like a fantasy league move or purely a data-driven decision. The contract fits perfectly, some might think Harden can lead the Cavs to a championship or that a change of scenery will revive his spirit and performance... all just wishful thinking.

Harden wants out again!

But reality often disappoints—whenever Harden joins a new team, the “want to leave” drama soon follows.

Since 2020, this is his 4th time requesting a trade. Yes, 4 times in 6 years!

Let’s review:

In 2020, he asked the Rockets to trade him and eventually joined the Nets via a four-team deal, which also brought Jarrett Allen to the Cavaliers.

In 2022, he requested a trade from the Nets and was sent to the 76ers.

In 2023, he asked the 76ers to trade him and ended up with the Clippers.

In 2026, now, he wants out of the Clippers again.

Is this really the kind of player the Cavaliers want to bring in?

From a salary standpoint, the swap between Harden and Garland works. The Cavs can acquire Harden’s contract, finish this season, and then waive him in 2026-27 with only $13 million guaranteed.

But what about fit on the court?

The Cavaliers are clearly Mitchell’s team now. Are they willing to reduce Mitchell’s usage and let Harden control the offense? Harden’s style has always been ball-dominant, and he’s never been the kind of player who brings lasting harmony to the locker room.

If you doubt this, just look at his 4 trade requests in 6 years. Most of these moves were aimed at securing a better contract.

Remember, the Clippers have won 17 of their last 22 games and are on a roll, yet Harden wants out at this crucial time. Doesn’t this reveal his main priority?

I just hope the Cavaliers are only evaluating all potential options as a routine before the trade deadline. Many trades that seem certain fall apart within hours.

Cleveland’s basketball operations president, Koby Altman, has always emphasized assessing players’ character, which is very wise. But does Harden meet the team’s standards?

The Cavaliers have been playing well lately—winning 8 of their last 10 games, 12 of the past 17, steadily moving in the right direction. Earlier trades, like swapping Hunter for Schröder and Keon Ellis, have further strengthened the roster.

So please, I beg you, don’t bring in James Harden.