James Harden agrees to three-year, $97 million deal with Cavaliers
Free agent James Harden has agreed to a new three-year, $97 million contract to return to the 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.
Harden's career earnings will now reach $511 million, making him the fourth player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. Harden turns 37 on Aug. 26, and when he officially signs, he will become the second player in league history to sign for over $90 million in guaranteed salary at age 37 or older, with James being the other.
In June, Harden declined his $42.3 million player option. At the outset of free agency, he and his agents worked with the Cavaliers on two- and three-year structures, and Harden allowed Cleveland to use as much time as needed this offseason to add to its roster.
Last week, the Cavs dealt guard Dennis Schroder to Charlotte for Tre Mann, who was ultimately flipped to Washington as part of the same five-team deal. Harden played a key recruiting role with Watson during his restricted free agency, staying in active communication to push him to Cleveland, according to sources. The Cavaliers will now boast a starting lineup of Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The Cavs acquired Harden from the Clippers in early February for Darius Garland. Cleveland went 21-9 after Harden's debut, compiling the fifth-best record after Feb. 7, as he averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds after the All-Star break. Cleveland made its first Eastern Conference finals since 2018 behind the addition of Harden, who averaged 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 18 postseason games.