LeBron James Weighs In on James Harden Trade to Cavaliers in Video, 'They're Going For It'

LeBron James had praise for the Cleveland Cavaliers making a big move to acquire James Harden prior to the trade deadline.

On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast (starts at 35:15 mark), James said "they're going for it" when discussing Cleveland's bold move to swap Darius Garland for Harden to boost the lineup.

"They're going for it. They felt like they needed another playmaker. Someone that's been there, kind of been in that situation before. And they added James, a perennial All-Star who is still putting up All-Star numbers, gives Donovan Mitchell another ball-handler, guy who can make shots late in the game."

James didn't stop his praise for the Cavs' deadline just at the Harden acquisition. He also hyped up Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis as guys who are "gonna compete" night in and night out.

The Cavs' move to acquire Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers was arguably the biggest deadline deal. It did cost them Garland, who is only 26, but his recent injury woes left them in an uncertain spot looking ahead to the playoffs.

Harden is 10 years older than Garland and could become a free agent this summer if he opts out of his $42.3 million salary for 2026-27 that leaves the Cavaliers in a tricky spot.

The upside, though, is already being felt in Cleveland. Harden is averaging 19.3 points on 42.1 percent three-point shooting and 8.7 assists per game in his first three starts for the Cavs.

Cleveland is 3-0 during that stretch and won five straight games overall leading into the All-Star break.

Given the rumblings that James could return to the Cavs next season for what could be his farewell year in the NBA, how the team fares with Harden through the postseason might be something he is paying close attention to.