The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to face off against the Detroit Pistons in Game 7 of their second round matchup on Sunday, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that they’re already looking ahead to free agency.
Sources told WIndhorst that the Cavaliers plan on retaining James Harden by negotiating a new deal with him in free agency. The decision to give him a new multi-year deal was made when they trade for him near this season’s deadline.
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He’s expected to decline his $40 million+ player option for 2026-27 in exchange for a longer deal with more guaranteed money at a lower annual salary.
In the remaining regular season games with Cleveland after the trade, Harden averaged a solid 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per game. His performance in the postseason has been shaky at best throughout his career, but he’s had some big moments in these playoffs.
The new deal should also help Cleveland manage their payroll, which is currently the league’s most expensive at $226 million before the luxury tax.
While the agreement is far from being finalized, all signs are pointing to Harden and the Cavaliers committing to each other for the next few seasons.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
