The Cleveland Cavaliers executed a surprising trade in 2024, acquiring James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers while sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick in return. Reports suggest Donovan Mitchell influenced the Cavaliers’ decision to pursue this move, signaling a significant shift in the team’s dynamics.
Although Mitchell and Garland had been regarded as a promising backcourt pairing, the rapid completion of this trade revealed underlying issues. Sources indicate that Mitchell’s growing dissatisfaction with playing alongside Garland played a part in Cleveland’s front office pushing for the deal.
Strained Relationship Between Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Mitchell and Garland combined to lead the Cavaliers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, despite the high expectations, the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, falling short of their anticipated performance level.
Throughout the season, Mitchell maintained strong individual numbers, averaging 28.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.6 rebounds on 48.3% shooting. Garland, in contrast, faced frequent injuries that limited his availability. When on the court, Garland’s contributions were respectable but less impactful than the previous season, with averages of 18 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds on 45.1% shooting.
Internal tensions within the Cavaliers’ locker room reportedly intensified as the season progressed. New reports emerged after the trade, revealing that Mitchell and Garland did not enjoy playing together, despite maintaining a personal rapport. This discord likely contributed to the team’s decision to make such a drastic roster change.
Hearing that although it was fine personally between Mitchell and Garland, that neither of them enjoyed playing together,
Brian Geltzeiler of Sirius XM NBA Radio stated on X.
Wondering (how) much Mitchell will enjoy playing with Harden. With that said, he has a parachute this offseason if this backcourt doesn’t work for him.
Cavaliers Place High Hopes on Donnewell Partnership of Mitchell and Harden
The Cavaliers are now banking on the chemistry between Donovan Mitchell and James Harden to elevate the team’s performance. Harden, who had expressed a strong desire to join Cleveland, has delivered consistently this season with averages of 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, despite shooting just 41.9% from the field.
Mitchell and Harden have experience playing together, having shared the court as teammates during the 2021 All-Star Game in Atlanta, which provides a familiar foundation for their new partnership. If the two manage to synchronize their playing styles quickly, the Cavaliers could emerge as a formidable contender within the competitive and unpredictable Eastern Conference.
However, relying heavily on Harden involves some risk, considering his history of inconsistency in the NBA. Cleveland’s front office is aware of this gamble, but it appears they are ready to embrace the challenge after the complications with Garland became clear.
With Donovan Mitchell’s apparent trade influence and the arrival of James Harden, the Cavaliers are undergoing a critical transition. The upcoming months will reveal whether this new backcourt combination can overcome past frustrations and lead Cleveland to greater success.
Hearing that although it was fine personally between Mitchell and Garland, that neither of them enjoyed playing together. Wondering now much Mitchell will enjoy playing with Harden. With that said, he has a parachute this offseason if this backcourt doesn’t work for him.
— Brian Geltzeiler (@BGeltzNBA) February 4, 2026
