James Harden agrees to 3-year, $97-million contract to remain with Cavaliers, AP sources say
James Harden agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers, two people close to the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday. They spoke on condition of anonymity…
Cleveland Cavaliers forward James Harden has reached a three-year, $97 million contract extension with the team, according to two sources close to the situation. The agreement includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and a trade kicker. Harden declined the $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, but indicated after the Cavaliers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by the New York Knicks that he wished to return to the team.
The 36-year-old Harden, entering his 18th NBA season, averaged 10.7 points and 1.7 turnovers over 26 regular-season games with the Cavaliers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers for Darius Garland in February. While Harden's scoring dipped to 19.7 points in the postseason, he also increased his turnovers to 4.7 per game, including ten instances of five or more turnovers.
Defense was a concern for Cleveland, as his defensive output was also lacking. The Cavaliers' likely starting lineup for the 2026-27 season will feature Harden alongside All-Star Donovan Mitchell, 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and new addition Peyton Watson, who was acquired through a four-team trade on Wednesday night.
Earlier this month, Harden faced a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a motor vehicle in Houston, which was dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program.
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