James Harden Keeps No 1 After Trade to Cavaliers

James Harden will wear No. 1 for the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers, per Chris Fedor. Harden had worn No. 13 early in his career but switched to No. 1 in Feb. 2022 when 13 was unavailable in Philadelphia because Wilt Chamberlain’s number is retired. The 11-time All-Star, who is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals this season, was sent to Cleveland for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. He is expected to debut Saturday in Sacramento for a Cavs team sitting 31-21 and fourth in the East. Merlin sees the number change as a fresh chapter for both player and team. Harden brings immediate scoring and creation that can lift Cleveland’s late game profile, but fitting a ball-dominant star into an established rotation will test chemistry and coaching. Expect adjustment pains at first, then clearer signs of whether this trade pushes the Cavs into genuine title conversation.