Cavaliers, James Harden Expected to Discuss New Contract in Off-Season
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League sources anticipate that Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden will waive his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season and enter negotiations on a fresh deal when free agency opens this summer. The option currently guarantees only $13.3 million.
Analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron has floated a possible two-year agreement worth roughly $75 million, a structure that could keep Harden under contract through his age-38 campaign while allowing Cleveland to allocate funds toward a new deal for guard Keon Ellis.
Harden, acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season, has appeared in 18 games with the Cavaliers. He is averaging 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists and is shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 46.0 percent from beyond the arc.
The veteran’s playmaking has steadied a lineup led by fellow All-Star Donovan Mitchell, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the frontcourt. Cleveland has not reached the conference finals since 2018, increasing the urgency for the current core to deliver a deeper postseason run.
Contract discussions are expected to resume once the season ends. For now, the organization is focused on how the Harden-Mitchell tandem performs when the pace slows in the playoffs.
Source: Hoops Wire
