Skip Bayless to Cavs: ‘This is why you don’t trade for James Harden’

The Cleveland Cavaliers had Game 1 in the palm of their hands, up 22 points in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks. Unfortunately, the Cavs were not able to hold on to the lead, and they ended up losing in overtime. One of the main reasons for their downfall was the defense, most specifically, from James Harden.

Down the stretch, Harden was targeted on defense on almost every play, and the Cavs didn’t do much to change the coverage. On offense, he didn’t give them anything, and his numbers in the clutch have been disappointing to say the least.

One person who has been consistent about Harden and his playoff failures is Skip Bayless, and he continued his campaign following the Cavs’ Game 1 loss.

“I’m sorry, yes he won MVP in his time, his perimeter skills were one of one. But he has consistently displayed in his biggest moments in playoff games, I’m sorry I’m just going to say it he has loser intangibles, that’s what he has,” Bayless said on Gil’s Arena.

Skip Bayless says this is why you don’t trade for James Harden:

“I’m sorry, yes he won MVP in his time his perimeter skills were one of one. But he has consistently displayed in his biggest moments in playoff games, I’m sorry I’m just going to say it he has loser intangibles,… pic.twitter.com/1Xcrj6RWpQ

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 20, 2026

Harden has always gotten the knock on his career that he doesn’t show up in the playoffs, and the stats continue to prove it. Even in Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons, though the Cavs were able to win in dominant fashion, Harden didn’t have a good game. Luckily, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were able to come through and deliver.

If the Cavs want any chance of advancing to the NBA Finals, they’re going to have to get more from Harden in this series.

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