James Harden will turn down his $42.3MM player option for next season and is negotiating a multiyear contract with the Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link).
Harden only carried a $13.3MM guarantee and Cleveland is hoping to stay under the second apron, so both sides have incentive to work out a new deal that involves more years at a lower annual salary. The Cavs are currently about $42MM below the second apron with Harden temporarily off the books, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link).
Harden, who will turn 37 in August, was acquired from the Clippers at the trade deadline in a deal for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick. Garland had been hampered by injuries, and the Cavaliers were looking for a veteran guard to team with Donovan Mitchell to improve their title chances. They wound up reaching the Eastern Conference finals, but were swept by New York.
Harden was typically productive during his 26 regular season games with Cleveland, posting 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per night. He shot 46.6% from the field and 43.5% from beyond the arc, giving the team another reliable three-point threat to stretch opposing defenses.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported last month that Harden had an “understanding” with the Cavaliers before the trade was completed that he would be given a new contract once the season ended. The team began establishing a bond with Harden before the trade was finalized, and coach Kenny Atkinson immediately made him a partner in its success.
Harden is a former MVP and an 11-time All-Star who has remained productive as he’s aged. The Cavs seem intent on keeping the core of their current roster together to make another run at the title next season.
