Donovan Mitchell says he and James Harden both want a championship

Donovan Mitchell and new teammate James Harden spoke about roles and a shared goal of winning a championship; Cleveland coaches and players praised Harden’s passing while noting the backcourt will need time to adjust.

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden spoke by phone after Harden was acquired in a trade, discussing roles, family and a shared aim of playing into the NBA Finals. Mitchell said they both want a championship and that adjustments will be required as they learn to play together. Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson and teammate Sam Merrill praised Harden’s passing and playmaking. The Cavaliers see Harden’s arrival as a move that could raise the team’s level but acknowledged the fit is not seamless. Key details: - Mitchell and Harden spoke about roles, family and the goal of winning a championship. - Harden was traded for guard Darius Garland and missed a reunion at Intuit Dome so he could prioritize communication with Mitchell. - Coach Kenny Atkinson described Harden as one of the best passers, and Sam Merrill said Harden makes teammates better. - The article notes Harden is 36 and is still described as capable of high scoring and playmaking on any given night. - Mitchell said he will need to play off the ball more at times and that both players are willing to adjust. - The Cavaliers are reported as sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference and see Harden as someone who could help improve their standing. Summary: Cleveland’s new backcourt pairing is presented as a deliberate effort to push the team higher in the standings, with leadership and playmaking cited as key benefits. The primary impact will depend on how quickly Mitchell, Harden and the rest of the roster adjust to shared roles. Undetermined at this time.