Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Maxx Crosby makes feelings clear as Cavaliers land James Harden in major trade

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 11:39 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled the trigger on one of the more unexpected — and risky — deals the franchise has ever made. The Cavaliers are sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for James Harden, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Word started circulating earlier this week that both sides were deep in talks ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Now two All-Stars have switched jerseys, and Cleveland is betting big on a veteran guard with plenty of mileage.

The deal has fans split, which is not surprising. However, Harden has instantly received some steady support from those close to him.

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby didn't waste any time showing his love for Harden heading to Cleveland.

"Never Thought I Would Be Rooting For The Cavs Ever… LFG !!!!! James Harden, Ring Time!" Crosby wrote on X.

For the Cavaliers, this marks a big shift after last season's Core Four could not get it done. Harden will now run alongside Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. That is a different look for a team that's been trying to figure out the right mix.

Never Thought I Would Be Rooting For The Cavs Ever… LFG !!!!! @JHarden13 Ring Time! https://t.co/n18mB0dtUO
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) February 4, 2026

Cavaliers take bold gamble on James Harden

Harden is in his 17th season and Cleveland becomes his sixth team since being drafted third overall back in 2009. The Cavaliers were sitting fifth in the East at 30-21 heading into Tuesday. They are still hanging around, but they have been nowhere near the 64-18 powerhouse that ran the conference last year.

Bringing in Harden won't solve everything, especially on the defensive end. But the Cavaliers clearly think his scoring and playmaking can push them back into serious contention in an East that looks up for grabs.

Putting Harden next to Donovan Mitchell creates one of the better backcourts in the league.

Through 44 games this season, Harden has been putting up 25.4 points per game. That's his best scoring average since the 2019-20 season. Despite those numbers, he still got snubbed from the All-Star roster.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

This article first appeared on Southern Miss Golden Eagles On SI and was syndicated with permission.

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