An insider from the Clippers described Harden as a passionate player with high attendance but inconsistent defense and occasionally very slow on his defensive recovery.

On February 8th Beijing time, Cavaliers reporter Terry Pluto wrote about the Clippers insider’s views on Harden. Before this trade was finalized, Pluto advised the Cavaliers against acquiring Harden, mentioning Harden’s history of requesting trades four times in six years. The following is Pluto’s most recent related report—

I had a conversation with a Clippers insider who described Harden’s performance this season as “very impressive.”“Unlike some players, he truly loves playing basketball, with high minutes and excellent attendance.”

Over the past one and a half seasons, Harden has missed only 16 games. In the 2025–26 season, he averages 35 minutes per game, contributing 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, shooting 42% from the field (35% from three), and 90% from the free-throw line.However, the source also pointed out that Harden’s defense is inconsistent, and sometimes his recovery on defense is very slow.

“We believe he raises the team’s ceiling and gives us a real chance to compete in the playoffs,” said Cavaliers president Altman. “Harden is one of the NBA’s top 75 all-time players and remains at an elite level.” Like the Cavaliers’ core management, coach Atkinson also feels the pressure to advance further in the playoffs and is excited about the recent trade.

“The management and owner have shown the players and everyone that they are doing everything possible to push the team to its peak,” Atkinson said at a press conference.

The Cavaliers currently hold a 31-21 record, winning 9 of their last 11 games. “Making such a bold move requires real courage and decisiveness,” Atkinson stated. “Dan (team owner Gilbert) has always been like this, and Altman is also someone who dares to take risks and fight to win. The players are excited—it’s another move to strengthen the team.”

Harden had hoped the Clippers would fully guarantee his 2026–27 contract worth $42 million, but currently only $13.3 million is guaranteed. Altman said contract discussions will take place after the season ends.

“This opportunity arose a few weeks ago,” Altman said. “Cleveland was the place Harden chose. He wants to come here to compete for a championship... He proactively sees the Cavaliers as his ideal destination.”

At this stage, the Cavaliers’ focus is fully on playoff preparation. Altman has often mentioned that the Cavaliers’ playoff struggles usually stem from insufficient scoring.

In the 2023 playoffs, the Cavaliers averaged 94.2 points per game, ranking 15th out of 16 teams;

In the 2024 playoffs, they averaged 98.1 points per game, ranking 14th out of 16 teams.

In last season’s second-round series against the Pacers, they averaged 114 points in five games, but only scored 109 and 104 points in the final two games, where defensive issues were even more apparent.

For years, there have been concerns that the Cavaliers’ backcourt duo of Garland at 1.85 meters and Mitchell at 1.88 meters is undersized, making sustained playoff success difficult. Garland, being particularly slim, is often targeted defensively due to his height and strength disadvantages.

“We acquired a 1.96-meter point guard,” Altman said about Harden. “This is completely different from our previous lineup. He is tall, strong, and extremely aggressive... ranked ninth in the league for driving attempts.”

Harden ranks fourth in the league for free throw attempts and boasts a 90% success rate. This will be crucial against slower-paced playoff opponents and will help relieve Mitchell from bearing the entire scoring load alone in the postseason.

Altman called the Harden trade a “milestone move,” while Atkinson described it as “a bold gamble that makes the team stronger.”

As stated at the beginning of this article, I am writing from the Cavaliers’ perspective. For them, the core conclusion is simple:Currently, Harden is the better player compared to Garland. They also understand that if they hadn’t pursued Harden and then lost again in the playoffs, they would definitely regret it.