Donovan Mitchell's Influence on Cavs' James Harden Trade Revealed in Latest NBA Rumors

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell reportedly urged the organization to make some improvements ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, and the team obliged by acquiring veteran guard James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for point guard Darius Garland on Tuesday.

The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd detailed Mitchell's influence on the trade, revealing that the 29-year-old "conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat for the rest of this season and wait for potential moves in the summer."

The Cavs acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022, and he has since become the face of the franchise. It's not surprising that a star player would use his influence in team decisions, but it sounds like Mitchell put his foot down after Cleveland's up-and-down start to the season in a year where the team was expected to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

Vardon and Lloyd reported that the Cavs were "feeling the pressure" from Mitchell "to make changes ahead of Thursday's trade deadline under the threat of a contract extension he may or may not sign in two summers." He has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million contract and a player option for 2027-28.

However, it was also noted that a Cavs team official "refuted that Mitchell applied such pressure and also denied that the Zoom call took place."

Cleveland ranks fifth in the East with a 30-21 record, but the team has gotten back on track with eight wins in its last 10 games. Adding Harden to the mix would boost the Cavs' chances of climbing the standings as the playoffs draw nearer.

Interestingly, the Cavs' first game since Tuesday's trade will be against the Clippers 23-26) on Wednesday night. It's unlikely that Harden will play against his former team, but he will have to get used to being on the visitors' side of the Intuit Dome when the game tips off.