TITLE: Cavaliers Expected to Re-Sign James Harden Soon; Kuminga, Schröder Among Next Roster Decisions
SLUG: cavaliers-expected-to-re-sign-james-harden-soon
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The Cleveland Cavaliers plan to finalize a new two- or three-year contract with James Harden in the near future, league sources told ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel. Harden declined a $42.3 million player option at the end of June and is now positioned to return on a multiyear deal structured to keep the club below the NBA’s second tax apron.
LeBron Interest Faded Over Roster Concerns
According to Siegel, LeBron James explored the possibility of another Cleveland reunion when free agency opened but was reluctant to share the backcourt with Harden. During that window, reports surfaced that James hoped to rejoin former teammate Kyrie Irving. Sources indicated the Cavaliers and Mavericks never discussed a Harden-for-Irving framework.
James was reportedly discouraged by Cleveland’s lack of roster upgrades after the four-game sweep by New York in the Eastern Conference Finals. The only notable departures since then have been Dean Wade and Keon Ellis. Siegel added that sending Evan Mobley to Boston for Jaylen Brown might have increased Cleveland’s appeal to James, though a deal would not have guaranteed his return.
Kuminga Emerges as Top Remaining Target
Siegel reported that the last significant free-agent option on Cleveland’s board is forward Jonathan Kuminga, whose rights belong to Atlanta. The Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are both eyeing a sign-and-trade for the 21-year-old, who is seeking $14 million to $18 million per season. Cleveland could match salary by including several players, most notably Dennis Schröder, who is owed $14.8 million next season and $15.5 million in 2027-28.
Confidence in Rookie Thomas Could Make Schröder Expendable
The front office is open to moving Schröder partly because of second-round pick Meleek Thomas. After earning first-team honors at Las Vegas Summer League, Thomas is viewed internally as capable of claiming immediate rotation minutes as a bench combo guard.
Other Trade Explorations
Before the draft, Cleveland checked on Denver forward Cameron Johnson, sources told Siegel. Although the Nuggets entertained offers at that time, no agreement materialized and Denver now appears inclined to keep Johnson. The Cavaliers also maintain interest in New Orleans forward Herbert Jones, but the Pelicans are reportedly demanding a substantial return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
