Photo via Yahoo Sports

Mike Gansey was reportedly key in the James Harden acquisition

The Cleveland Cavaliers' surprising trade to acquire James Harden in February may have been orchestrated more by Mike Gansey than previously assumed. According to reports, Gansey—then serving as the Cavaliers’ second-in-command under President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman—led back-channel discussions with Harden’s representatives, setting the stage for the blockbuster deal.

Gansey’s departure from Cleveland to join the Philadelphia 76ers as their new President of Basketball Operations adds new context to the trade, raising questions about his broader influence on the Cavaliers’ recent roster moves, including deals involving Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Caris LeVert, and De’Andre Hunter. With Gansey now constructing a new superteam in Philadelphia, the Cavaliers’ future trade decisions could shift significantly, potentially altering how Altman’s bold front-office strategy is perceived moving forward.

Up nextNBA· 50m ago

Bucks make way for Brewers’ World Series return with schedule change