James Harden Denies Requesting Trade From Clippers, Says He's 'Excited' About Cavs Deal

James Harden is on his way to the Cleveland Cavaliers after reportedly requesting a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, but the veteran has denied ever asking to be dealt.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne spoke to Harden, who said he never requested a trade but "didn't want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future."

The superstar also posted a farewell on social media, saying he'll "forever consider myself a Clipper."

While Harden claims to have not requested a trade, his track record of trade requests is enough reason to suspect otherwise.

Harden forced his way out of Houston in 2021 and requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets less than two seasons later. After landing in Philadelphia, he played a season and a half with the 76ers before once again wanting out, which led to him arriving in Los Angeles.

His two and a half seasons with the Clippers mark his longest stint with a team since the eight-plus seasons he spent with Houston.

The timing of the trade came at a bit of an odd time, all things considered. The Clippers had an abysmal 6-21 start to the season and appeared to be far from championship contenders, but they've gone 17-5 since mid-December to get back into the playoff mix.

Harden is playing very well this year, putting up 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Ultimately, either Harden, the Clippers or both decided it was time to shake things up. Los Angeles sent Harden to Cleveland in return for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

The trade makes sense for the Clippers in that they now have a much younger point guard with plenty of potential, rather than an aging star who is past his prime.

The deal also puts Harden on a roster more than capable of reaching the Finals, something Harden has been chasing his entire career.