LeBron, Harden Would Embrace Teaming Up in Cleveland, Sources Say
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Reports close to both camps indicate James Harden is open to sharing the floor with LeBron James if the four-time MVP elects to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers, countering speculation that the two stars might struggle to coexist.
Journalist Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com cited unnamed sources who said Harden “would welcome the chance” to play alongside James. One source told Robinson the veterans share “a mutual respect” for each other’s game and want to see one another succeed.
“The way their relationship is framed by media and social media is not indicative of how they feel about each other in actuality,” the source added.
Rich Paul, James’s longtime agent, echoed that sentiment. Speaking to Robinson, Paul said he has “no personal issue with Harden,” calling the guard “my friend,” even though Paul previously criticized the Cavaliers’ decision to trade Darius Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I never cared for the trade, but that’s their prerogative,” Paul noted.
Multiple league sources told Hoops Wire the Cavaliers are widely viewed as front-runners should James enter free agency, with the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers also in the mix. Robinson’s reporting suggests Harden would pose no obstacle if James chooses a Cleveland reunion; instead, one source said Harden “would love to be his teammate,” though the 10-time All-Star is not expected to mount an aggressive recruiting push.
Robinson’s latest story also touches on Golden State’s position in the chase for James, Minnesota’s ongoing interest and the broader flexibility James retains in free agency, but the primary takeaway remains the positive outlook on a potential James-Harden partnership in Cleveland.
Source: Hoops Wire
