Feb 08, 2026
3 min read
James Harden is now on the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he is partnered up with Donovan Mitchell.
Donovan Mitchell talks about the dynamic he's developing with new Cavs teammate James Harden
Donovan Mitchell talks about the dynamic he's building with new Cavs teammate James Harden.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the most talented teams in the league, even before the trade deadline.Of course, they made the biggest move of the deadline, trading Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden.
Given that Garland was a decade younger than his counterpart, it was a tough trade for most people to gauge.However, the Cavaliers look to double down on their core group with a more proven lead guard in Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell knows Harden can fit the Cavaliers.
Harden played his first game with the Cavaliers on Saturday, which was against the Kings.In 32 minutes he had good results with 23 points and eight assists.It was a great debut as he showed why the Cavs front office is willing to part ways with their promising guards.
He showed palpable chemistry with his teammates, including Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, who scored 35 and 29 points, respectively.It may be against the Kings, but it's still a promising night that could continue the Cavaliers' quest to become a great team again.
MORE: Donovan Mitchell reveals what he thinks about teaming up with James Harden
The backcourt of Mitchell and Garland was excellent as they were the main reasons for their 64-18 record.Of course, Allen and Evan Mobley were also key to their success, but offensively it was the backfield that led the way.
Right now, Mitchell is playing with a new point guard, but he seems optimistic that he's on track with the former MVP.
“When you have an established guy, you come in and say, 'No, go.'It was a little awkward because I knew him, but it's one of those things where you're trying to figure it out,” Mitchell said after the Kings game.
It took me half an hour to say, 'Okay.' It's a testament to him... Then when it's season four, you just have to choose."
With such reliability with Mitchell and Harden in the backcourt and Mobley and Allen up front, it will be another great core.It may take some time to gel, but Harden is such an adaptable player that it won't be a long-term problem.
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