James Harden Eyes Retirement While Chasing Cavaliers Title

James Harden is settling into Cleveland and openly acknowledged that retirement is near: "I know it's coming soon. Hopefully, later than soon, but it's a reality." At 36 he is still producing 24.5 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds, and he finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the win over Brooklyn. The Cavs are 7-1 since the trade, so Harden's endgame could be a real championship push. Merlin sees a veteran savoring the present. Harden said he wants to "take one game at a time and cherish the moments," and he looks fit enough to play a few more seasons. If he stays healthy and the Cavs sustain their surge, Cleveland's roster suddenly looks like a team that can test the conference. Age and mileage remain wild cards, though the oracle likes their chances.