No matter what happens in Sunday night’s Game 7 at Detroit, the Cavaliers plan to re-sign James Harden this summer, sources tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Windhorst suggests an “understanding” that a multiyear contract would be forthcoming was likely in place before Cleveland sent Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for Harden at the trade deadline. Harden was in position to veto a trade and probably wouldn’t have joined the Cavs without the implicit promise of a new deal.
Windhorst hears that the organization worked to establish a bond with Harden before the trade was finalized, as head coach Kenny Atkinson took steps to make him a partner in the team’s success from the first time they talked. Windhorst points out that Harden has excelled throughout his career when he’s had a strong relationship with his coaches, so Atkinson and his staff have been cultivating that from the start.
Harden holds a $42.3MM player option for next season, but the annual salary in his next contract is expected to be smaller in exchange for more long-term security as he turns 37 this summer. That will provide some financial relief for the Cavaliers, who are carrying the league’s highest payroll at $226MM (more than $280MM with the luxury tax factored in) and are the only team currently operating over the second apron.
Windhorst states that a new deal with Harden will also provide some stability amid the uncertainty surrounding Donovan Mitchell, who has a $53.8MM player option for 2027/28 and will carry the equivalent of an expiring contract next season. Mitchell will become extension-eligible in July and can sign a new deal worth up to $272MM over four years. However, Windhorst notes that he would benefit by waiting until 2027 when he’ll have 10 years of service, which means he can increase his next contract to five years at around $350MM and will be eligible for other benefits, including a no-trade clause.
Waiting to sign his next deal means Mitchell will hit free agency next summer, which Windhorst states could lead to an “uncomfortable” situation, especially if the Cavs fail to advance past the second round again. There could be some hesitation about committing to a new deal that pays him $80MM when he’s 35.
An early playoff exit could affect the roster in other ways, Windhorst adds, as rival teams have expressed interest for years in trading for Jarrett Allen. The 28-year-old center is about to enter a three-year, $90MM extension that will make him significantly more expensive for a team that’s already under financial duress. Windhorst cites moving Max Strus, who’ll have a $16.6MM expiring contract next season, as another option, but notes that trading Allen or Strus is unlikely to bring back “star power” that would put Cleveland in position to win a title.
That could lead to discussions on whether to part with Evan Mobley, an elite defender who would generate plenty of interest around the league if the Cavs consider moving him. Windhorst states that the 25-year-old Mobley, who’s in the first season of a five-year, $270MM extension, has been “untouchable” so far.
That will be a mistake
Don’t worry, regardless of contract length he will force his way out of Cleveland soon enough.
They gotta be seeking a 3/75M to get under the first apron. And then look to dump Schroder would be the most likely scenario. Best way for them to try and compete next year. If they have to reup Harden just to end up dealing away Allen or Mobley thats a fail.
I flatly don’t believe any other team is willing to take Schroder. He’s got two more years @ $15M per. So he’s staying unless the Cavs cut & stretch that. Plus he seems to have one impactful playoff game every year.
Anything’s possible if they lose tonight, of course.
I’m pretty sure the 2nd year is non or partially guaranteed
It’s around $4.5m guarantee for year 3.
Stop giving $15M to role players and spot shooters.
Soon it will be 30M a year
Get that $ boy! This guy is obv 1 of the greatest basketball players ever but you wouldn’t know that from the way he’s been talked about his entire career. I’m sure the same 1s that hate on him so hard will claim they always love him after he’s gone though.
One of the greatest ever even though he’s choked for 20 years, never plays defense and quits on his teams.
If he played in an era where they actually played defense. He would be Kyle Korver.
Harden walked so SGA could win MVPs while not even being valuable to his team, who went 8-4 without him. Harden the OG grifter. Great comp with Korver.
That harsh on Korver ….
Jarrett Allen & Picks for LeBron In a S&T :)
S A T has to be 3 years min for Lbj
Plus Cavs would be capped at Apron 1 so they’d have to pre shed Strus as well
And I’m not so sure Lakers would even want that Allen contract
Why would Cleveland want to trade Jarrett Allen?
They could just trade Allen for picks. And if Harden declines and takes a lower salary they could just then sign LBJ and not be hard capped.
Am sure that Cleveland would much prefer to have Allen than LBJ.
Cleveland is not winning the title. Harden chokes Mitchell is cursed.
LOL I mean good for him for swindling another big deal, but they got worse by trading for him.
See how they feel after he goes 5-18 in tonight’s loss.
Harden threw up another Game 7 dud today, but fortunately for him, the entire Detroit team was worse.
I mean can easily move off Strus (16m) or Merrill (8m), who cares about star return just get draft picks and draft well.
Jaylon Tyson looked really good at some points in the season.
Plus use the vets min on good value role players. Even right now could pick up a Oshae Brissett, Cam Reddish, Ben Simmons, TJ Warren or Georges Niang.
Can they get the hometown guy to return though?