James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Consequently, the future Hall of Fame guard stays in Cleveland after choosing longer-term security over a bigger single-season payday. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the 2028-29 season along with a 15% trade kicker. The Terms of the Harden Cavaliers Deal Harden had previously turned down a $42.3 million option to return for 2026-27, opting instead for a multi-year structure even though it lowers his average annual salary. As a result, the new agreement pushes his career earnings past $500 million, making him only the fourth player in league history to reach that mark, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. Additionally, he becomes just the second player, after James, to sign for more than $90 million guaranteed at age 37 or older. Why the Cavaliers Prioritized the Harden Cavaliers Deal Cleveland acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers in February, sending Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Clippers in the process. The move paid off for a stretch, since the Cavaliers went 19-7 with Harden running an offense that ranked among the league’s best. However, Cleveland’s defense struggled whenever he shared the floor, and his playoff efficiency dipped noticeably compared to his regular-season form. Still, Harden helped guide the Cavaliers through two Game 7 wins before they were swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual champion New York Knicks. He also finished the season tied with Karl Malone for the most playoff wins in NBA history without a championship. Therefore, while Cleveland’s title hopes now rest primarily on Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, the front office is betting that Harden, who turns 37 next week, can still provide enough playmaking to push the roster further than last season’s run. Post Views: 9 FacebookFacebookXXLINELine Post navigation BANGKOK AFTER DARK
