James Harden's new contract with Cavaliers fully guaranteed

The Cleveland Cavaliers and James Harden have reached a mutual agreement on a three-year, $97 million contract that is fully guaranteed. This latest deal sees Harden receiving a player option for the final year, in addition to a 15% trade kicker. His representatives, Mike Silverman, Troy Payne, and Brandon Grier, collaborated with Cavs officials to finalize the agreement.

This contract will propel Harden's career earnings to an astonishing $511 million, placing him among the elite in NBA history alongside the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. Despite turning 37 next Wednesday, Harden becomes the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at that age.

The Cavs had requested a reduced annual salary for a three-year deal to stay under the salary aprons, providing them with crucial time to potentially trade for Peyton Watson later in the offseason.