Harden arrest not expected to stall Cavaliers talks; Suns, Wolves push to keep guards
harden-suns-wolves-guards-free-agency-rumors
CLEVELAND — James Harden’s weekend arrest in Texas on a misdemeanor gun charge is not expected to interfere with the veteran guard’s contract discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
The 37-year-old, who maneuvered a mid-season move to Cleveland before February’s trade deadline, holds a $42.3 million player option for 2026-27, of which only $13.3 million is guaranteed. League sources told Fischer a new two-year pact in the neighborhood of $60 million remains the most likely scenario, though some executives believe he could command a larger figure.
NBA clubs have been cleared to begin negotiating with their own free agents since Sunday, one day after the Knicks clinched the championship.
Suns begin talks with Gillespie, Goodwin
Phoenix has opened negotiations with guards Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, and competing teams expect both to remain with the Suns, Fischer reported. Multiple league insiders peg Gillespie’s next deal at roughly $12 million to $13 million annually, while Goodwin’s market could range from the minimum to the taxpayer mid-level exception.
Timberwolves working to retain Dosunmu
Minnesota is in active discussions to re-sign Ayo Dosunmu before he can reach free agency. Rival clubs view the 26-year-old combo guard as one of the top potential targets at his position this summer.
Teams hunting backcourt help
Front-office sources identify the Pistons, Timberwolves and Nets as organizations aggressively seeking additional ball-handling and playmaking. Brooklyn is monitoring restricted free agent Austin Reaves, though expectations around the league still point to his return to the Lakers. Washington guard Trae Young is expected to stay with the Wizards but continues to draw trade inquiries, and Grizzlies star Ja Morant is also viewed as a possible trade candidate.
Rockets remain patient with VanVleet
Despite playing most of last season without Fred VanVleet, who missed the entire 2025-26 campaign with a torn ACL, the Rockets have not been prominently linked to guard targets. General manager Rafael Stone recently expressed confidence in the roster built last summer, and team officials believe VanVleet will be a key contributor once he returns next season.
Source: HoopsRumors
