James Harden has agreed to a multiyear contract extension to continue playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to sources familiar with the negotiation. The deal is worth $97 million over three seasons and includes a player option for the 2028-29 campaign along with a trade kicker clause.
Harden had declined a $42.3 million player option for the upcoming season but expressed interest in remaining with the franchise following their playoff campaign. The 36-year-old guard indicated he preferred to wait until the Cavaliers completed additional roster moves before finalizing his new agreement. During the regular season, he appeared in 26 games for Cleveland after being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 4 in exchange for Darius Garland, averaging 10.7 points and 1.7 turnovers.
The veteran’s postseason performance showed increased scoring output, as he averaged 19.7 points across the Cavaliers’ playoff run. However, his ball security became more problematic in the postseason, with turnovers rising to 4.7 per game. He recorded five or more turnovers in 10 of Cleveland’s 18 playoff contests and faced defensive challenges.
Cleveland’s roster now features Harden alongside other key players including All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, 2025 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Peyton Watson, who was acquired through a four-team trade. The Cavaliers are preparing to enter the season with this lineup configuration after being swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual champion New York Knicks. Harden will enter his 18th NBA season as part of this supporting cast.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI