Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden is not ruling out the possibility of eventually taking his career overseas, with the former NBA MVP revealing he “would love” to play in Europe or Spain one day.
Harden addressed the possibility while the Cavaliers hold training camp in Spain ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 37-year-old has spent his entire professional career in the NBA but expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing internationally before retiring.
Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops shared Harden’s comments Friday.
“I would love to,” Harden said Wednesday when asked whether he would consider playing in Europe or Spain. “Spain is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Fortunately, I’ve been here. I’ve been to Barcelona, to Madrid. And those places are amazing as well. Every time I come here, the experience is how it should be. Love it here.”
Harden did not provide a timeline or indicate that an overseas move is imminent. In fact, the veteran guard recently committed his immediate future to Cleveland by signing a three-year, $97 million contract this offseason.
James Harden remains focused on Cavaliers ahead of 2026-27 season
Harden’s new contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, giving him the opportunity to potentially reconsider his future before the final year of the deal.
He declined a $42.3 million player option earlier in the offseason before ultimately agreeing to remain with Cleveland on a multi-year contract.
The former MVP joined the Cavaliers in a midseason trade from the Los Angeles Clippers last season and helped Cleveland reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland ultimately suffered a four-game sweep against the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks, but Harden and the organization maintained mutual interest in continuing their partnership.
The Cavaliers subsequently brought Harden back as part of an offseason in which they kept their core intact around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley while preparing for another championship pursuit.
Harden’s comments in Spain leave open the possibility of an overseas chapter later in his career, but his recently signed contract makes clear that his immediate focus remains with the Cavaliers and their pursuit of an NBA championship.