Joe Vardon: The James Harden trade made all kinds of sense; this is definitely a better Cavs team after the deadline

Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Photo credit SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Joe Vardon of The Athletic joins Afternoon Drive on The Fan. He talks about the Cavs moves at the NBA trade deadline, if acquiring James Harden makes them the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, LeBron James’ future, and more.

Featured Image Photo Credit: SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)