James Harden Agrees to Three-Year, $97 Million Deal With Cavaliers
Free agent James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports told ESPN Thursday.
Harden’s career earnings will reach $511 million, making him the fourth NBA player to surpass $500 million, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
Harden turns 37 on Aug. 26. Once he signs, he will become the second player to receive more than $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, after James. The deal will take Harden into his 20th NBA season.
Harden declined his $42.3 million player option in June. He and Cleveland discussed two- and three-year deals, ultimately choosing three years so the Cavaliers could get under the first and second aprons and have time to trade for Peyton Watson. Cleveland acquired Watson Wednesday in a five-team deal that sent Max Strus to the Clippers and a 2031 first-round pick and 2032 second-round pick via Sacramento to Denver. The Cavs also traded Dennis Schroder to Charlotte for Tre Mann, who was later moved to Washington.
Harden helped recruit Watson and will now join Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the starting lineup.
After missing out on James, president Koby Altman added Watson and EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja while getting Cleveland below both aprons. Mitchell also agreed to a max extension through 2030-31.
Acquired from the Clippers for Darius Garland in February, Harden helped Cleveland go 21-9 after his debut, averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds after the All-Star break. The Cavs reached their first Eastern Conference finals since 2018, with Harden averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 18 playoff games.
Harden provided another playmaker alongside Mitchell, led the NBA in isolations and ranked second in made step-back 3-pointers, according to GeniusIQ. Only Curry has made more career 3-pointers. Harden enters the season ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and is a three-time scoring champion, two-time assist champion and 2018 MVP.
