James Harden pursued a reunion with the Houston Rockets for the second time in almost three years before accepting a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told ESPN. The 36-year-old's interest in returning to his former team was rebuffed, leading to his eventual departure from the Los Angeles Clippers

Harden's representatives gauged interest from potential destinations as the LA Clippers struggled this season. The 11-time All-Star wanted to reunite with Houston, a natural fit after point guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the season. The Rockets showed little interest in their former MVP, which marks Harden's second unsuccessful attempt to rejoin Houston. He hoped to return to the Rockets in 2023 before they hired Ime Udoka as head coach and changed course by signing VanVleet.

The genesis of Harden's exit stemmed from contract disappointment during the offseason. Los Angeles told Harden it felt uncomfortable guaranteeing him more than the $39.2 million he earned this season because of his age and the team's preference for financial flexibility.

Harden felt he deserved an extension similar to the two-year, $111 million deal the Golden State Warriors gave Jimmy Butler, who is the same age. Sources close to Harden say he believed he reestablished himself as an All-Star after averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds while earning third-team All-NBA honors.

Still wanting to remain in his hometown, Harden accepted a contract in which only $13.8 million of the $42.3 million due in the second year would be guaranteed. The deal included a player option and trade veto rights as protection.

The Clippers sputtered to a 6-21 record by Dec. 20, trailing only New Orleans and Washington in the standings. Teams around the league began calling about Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac as losses mounted.

"It made sense for both sides," Harden told ESPN of the trade. "I didn't want to feel like I was holding the Clippers up in their future. I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital."

Cleveland emerged as the primary suitor. The Cavaliers were intrigued to see how Harden could elevate big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen while taking pressure off Donovan Mitchell.

Discussions softened as the Clippers attempted to resurrect their season, winning 71 percent of games since Christmas Day. Reality eventually emerged for both franchises: Los Angeles couldn't sustain success, and Cleveland's roster wasn't built to contend.

Talks escalated late last week as Thursday's deadline approached. Harden sat out games in Phoenix on Sunday and against Philadelphia on Monday as discussions intensified. He was listed as out for personal reasons, tipping off the league to his availability.

Harden was spotted on the sideline at Arizona State as it hosted No. 1 Arizona on Sunday night, approximately 20 minutes from where his teammates played against the Suns.

By Tuesday, Harden knew the trade would likely go through and decided not to veto it. He gave his goodbyes to staffers and players before leaving the facility.

"In Cleveland, I see an opportunity to win in the East," Harden said. "They've got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So, as much as I wanted to stay in L.A. and give it a go -- I've never won one before."

Harden said he will always wonder what could have been in Los Angeles had Leonard and Paul George stayed healthy during the playoffs.

"In life, not even just basketball, when things don't work out, there are ways to end things in relationships without having to crack each other," Harden said. "Maybe we just don't see a future together. Maybe we just outgrew each other."

Los Angeles acquired Darius Garland, a 26-year-old two-time All-Star, and a second-round pick in return. The Cavaliers decided their championship window needed to open immediately.