Does the Cavaliers Trade for ‘The Beard’ Put Them in the NBA Championship Talk?
With the NBA Trade Deadline vastly approaching, teams have begun moving players in hopes of becoming title contenders or to rebuild the roster moving forward. Yesterday, the Memphis Grizzlies traded two-time all-star Jaren Jackson Jr., and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević was dealt to the Boston Celtics. Also, the Los Angeles Clippers decided their time with ‘The Beard’ James Harden has run its course, as they moved him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. ‘The Beard’ at 36 years old was looking to be in a win-now situation as well as have a home for the long-term future, which Cleveland fit both of those standards. While the Clippers with Garland are looking towards the future. Yet, with the new dynamic scoring duo of Harden and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs are looking to be in the NBA Championship talk.
Cleveland is starting to collect the pieces to surround Mitchell with talent that can make a championship run. Just by looking at the starting lineup alone, this team looks to be a threat with Harden and Mitchell in the backcourt, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt, and then either Max Strus, Sam Merrill, or Jaylon Tyson taking that last spot in the lineup. Both ‘The Beard’ and Mitchell are two scoring threats that can’t be ignored, as they can heat up in a hurry and put on a show when necessary. Mobley is a former Defensive Player of the Year and has all the tools to be a multi-time all-star. With Allen, although he’s been involved in trade rumors, his play on the defensive end helps Cleveland in a big way. The Cavs just acquired Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder from the Sacramento Kings, strengthening their backcourt on the bench. Others like Dean Wade, Lonzo Ball, and Larry Nance Jr. could also be effective pieces coming off the bench. With these pieces, the Cavs are very well destined to go on a deep playoff run.
Harden played 44 games with the Clippers this season. He’s averaging nearly 25 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and a steal in 35 minutes a game. In his final game with Los Angeles, ‘The Beard’ poured on 25 points and dished out nine assists in a 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets. At 36 years old, Harden has been chasing an NBA Championship for his entire career. He’s been close on a few occasions but never reached the NBA Finals. Being the second scoring option next to Mitchell will be dangerous for opposing teams’ defenses. Opponents will have to think before they double-team Mitchell or Harden, as either one could pick up a quick bucket.
At 30-21, the Cavs sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. While they’re eight games behind the Detroit Pistons for first place, there’s still plenty of time left to keep rising through the standings. Cleveland could very well be a top-four team by the end of the season, earning homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. When it comes time for the NBA Playoffs, other teams like the Pistons, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and even Toronto Raptors could play as a threat. Yet, the Cavs can rise above them with Harden’s tenacity to become an NBA Champion.
