James Harden Will Do 'Whatever It Takes' for Cavs amid Contract Rumors, 'I Don't Have No Pride'

James Harden's first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers came to a dissapointing ending on Monday as Harden struggled in a Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks.

The Cavs brought Harden in at the trade deadline, hoping the former MVP would give them enough to compete for a championship, but they fell well short. Going into his first full season with Cleveland in 2026-27, Harden said he'll do "whatever it takes."

"I told the guys I'm willing to do whatever it takes," Harden told Andscape's Marc J. Spears. "So, if I got to play off the ball, less shots, I'm willing to do it. I have no problem with that. You can come talk to me about anything and I'm willing to do it. That was the mindset."

Harden, one of the biggest stars not to have won a title, has "no pride" heading into Year 18.

"I think having a full year will definitely help coming off this push. … Coming into my 18th year, I don't have no pride. I just want to win."

There were understandably some questions about Harden's future with the Cavs after the way things ended this year, but it seems both sides are ready to commit long term.

Harden told reporters after Monday's loss that he "100 percent" wants to return to Cleveland, and ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday that the Cavs "in all likelihood" will sign him to a new deal.

Harden and the Cavs weren't quite ready to bring a championship back to Cleveland this year, but perhaps getting a full season together will be enough to get them over the edge.