James Harden to Opt Out of $42.3 Million Option, Pursue Contract With Cavaliers
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Guard James Harden plans to decline his $42.3 million player option and seek a new multi-year agreement with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to league sources.
Harden, 36, must formally notify his current club of the decision before the league’s deadline, at which point he will become an unrestricted free agent. Sources said discussions with Cleveland are expected to begin once the negotiating window opens.
The former MVP averaged 21.4 points and 8.7 assists last season, maintaining his reputation as one of the NBA’s top playmakers. The Cavaliers, who are looking to add a veteran scorer alongside All-Star guard Darius Garland, are positioned to make a competitive bid when free agency begins.
Harden’s choice to test the market marks the second time in three summers that he has bypassed a lucrative option year in favor of long-term security. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, with contracts eligible to be signed starting July 6.
Source: ESPN
