Somewhere out there, James Harden is blankly staring at a window, sipping coffee, and patiently waiting for his new contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is in his 18th year in the NBA, and he feels he is an integral piece in the Cavaliers’ quest to return to the NBA Finals.
There has been optimism that Harden and the front office will come to terms on a restructured deal. The former MVP declined his $43.2 million player option in the Cavaliers’ failed pursuit of LeBron James. Now, there is a possibility that Harden is using his selfless act as leverage to get a bigger salary.
On Friday, the Cavaliers traded Dennis Schroder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann to create more financial flexibility. According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, a new contract for the 36-year-old Harden is imminent.
“One source familiar with the process said Harden’s new multiyear deal with the Cavaliers should be completed ‘soon-ish,'” wrote Stein on his Substack.
He noted that Cleveland is trying to make more room to entice either Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga. Stein said Max Strus, who is in the final year of his current contract at $16.7 million, could be shipped next.
“Completing the deal that ships out Schroder will shed nearly $7 million in salary for next season, but the Cavaliers are said to covet even more financial flexibility if they can manufacture it either for their pursuit of (Denver) Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson or (Atlanta) Hawks unrestricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, as well as the eventual re-signing of James Harden,” added Stein.
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has expressed a strong desire to keep Harden despite the veteran guard’s poor stint in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The three-time scoring champion will enter his first full season with the Wine and Gold. His chemistry with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen will only improve as they spend more time together.