Payton Watson: Harden Pushed for Me to Join Cavaliers
The Cavaliers forward says James Harden personally texted and called him during negotiations, welcoming him to Cleveland ahead of the new season.
Payton Watson said James Harden was directly involved in bringing him to Cleveland this summer, texting and calling him throughout the negotiations to make clear the Cavaliers wanted him.
"It's not just what he means to the league, but what he means to me personally, a kid from Southern California who was getting calls or texts from him throughout the whole negotiation process about Cleveland's interest in me. He's personally invested in playing with me on the same team. I feel like I can fit into this group really well. Harden is one of the greatest basketball minds we've ever seen. Him accepting me right away meant a lot, because I've worked for this my whole life… I was incredibly, just incredibly happy to hear his words, and it made me even more eager to see what my role on this team could be. When I got the call telling me I was going to be a Cavalier, that moment became even more meaningful to me. From day one I knew I was wanted and welcomed here with open arms. Both the team and the front office, and that really matters," Watson said.
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