James Harden Declines $42.3 Million Option, Seeks Cavaliers Return in 2026 Free Agency
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 29
James Harden Declines $42.3 Million Option, Seeks Cavaliers Return in 2026 Free Agency
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 29
Summary
James Harden entered free agency after declining his $42.3 million player option, and he is working with Cleveland on a new deal at a lower annual salary.
Cleveland remains his preferred destination after he played 68% of his minutes at point guard following his trade there and helped drive the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference finals.
A short-term contract appears the likeliest outcome for the 36-year-old guard, with the report floating roughly $60 million over two years as a plausible framework.
The wider point-guard market is already moving: Trae Young agreed to stay with Washington for about $212 million over four years, while Derrick White, Collin Gillespie and CJ McCollum also reached new deals.