Since his trade to the Clippers in November 2023, James Harden has been right beside Kawhi Leonard in the locker room. Remarkably, less than a day after Harden was traded to the Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, his nameplate was swapped out for Garland’s.
Garland had already left a few items at his new locker, including a couple of shoes and a hat.
It’s curious how things can change so swiftly. Just after the significant trade, both teams ended up facing each other. So, yeah, Garland was already in the area.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue both described the odd situation at the Intuit Dome as “bizarre.”
Atkinson chuckled about how many clips of Harden popped up when he reviewed footage of the Clippers for the Cavs. In a twist, they were scouting their opponents while simultaneously getting to know their newest teammate.
“It’s a little weird,” Atkinson remarked with a smile.
But once the game started, it was back to normal for both squads, with the Cavaliers coming out on top 124-91.
Garland was present courtside during the game, meeting his new teammates. Fans even cheered when he appeared on the video board. He expressed to reporters at halftime just how excited he was to be with the Clippers. After the final whistle, his former teammates from the Cavs came over to embrace him.
Harden, who had missed the previous two games for personal reasons, was absent from the Intuit Dome.
Lue referred to Harden as a “rock star.” Harden apparently expressed gratitude to Lue after the trade, calling him “one of the best coaches I’ve ever played with.” He recognized Lue for allowing him to be himself, which contributed to him becoming an All-Star last season after a two-year absence from that honor.
Interestingly, the timing of the trade was quite something. Both teams had been performing well.
By Tuesday, the Clippers stood at 17-5 after a rocky 6-21 start. The Cavs, meanwhile, had struggled in late November, but rebounded to win nine of their last twelve games.
Now, both teams must adjust to this new dynamic.
For the Cavaliers, currently sitting fourth in the East, that means figuring out how to win with the 36-year-old Harden leading the way. On the flip side, for the Clippers, currently ninth in the West, the focus shifts to prioritizing Garland’s future rather than merely trying to make a splash this season.
Leonard admitted he was taken aback by Harden’s departure. He first heard murmurs of a potential trade on Monday against Philadelphia. Once considered a powerhouse trio with Paul George and Harden, Leonard is now the last remaining member of what was dubbed the “Big Three” for the Clippers.
“I get why they left, and I wish them the best,” Leonard said, who finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. “I tried to keep them, but they need help. I respect everything that’s happening.”
When asked about any unfinished business he felt with Harden and George due to injuries affecting their time together, he seemed thoughtful.
“I always believe we have a shot to win, but it’s tough to say right now,” Leonard reflected. “You need luck, with shots, injuries, everything. It didn’t work out how I’d hoped.”
The Clippers now must look ahead.
Atkinson referred to Garland as “my favorite person I’ve ever coached,” noting that the farewell was emotional. Lue expressed enthusiasm for coaching the two-time All-Star, emphasizing that the Clippers are poised to play at a faster pace now. He likened coaching Garland to working with a young Kyrie Irving.
Harden has played consistently this season, appearing in 44 of the 50 scheduled games. Garland, however, has faced ongoing toe issues since April and missed 26 games this season, including his last nine with the Cavs before being traded.
The Clippers are hopeful that Garland will be back in action after the All-Star break.
While Leonard is processing the loss of Harden, he remains optimistic. He described Garland as “very talented” and noted, “I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet.”
And although it may seem to some that acquiring Garland was purely a long-term investment, Lue has a different outlook.
“Once Garland gets healthy, I’m confident we’ll have a very solid team,” Lue remarked.
