James Harden makes Cavaliers decision ahead of NBA free agency

NY Post Published Jun 29, 2026 Reviewed Jul 2, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

James Harden declined his $42.3 million player option on his contract with the Cavaliers

42.3 million · player option James Harden, player

Cleveland had the highest payroll in the NBA last season at a record‑breaking $228.6 million

228.6 million · payroll

James Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 46% shooting (43.5% from 3) in 26 games after the All‑Star break

20.5 points · points per game7.7 assists · assists per game4.8 rebounds · rebounds per game46 percent · field goal percentage43.5 percent · three‑point percentage26 games · games played

James Harden averaged 19.2 points, 5.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 41% shooting, 18 playoff games, and 4.7 turnovers per game

19.2 points · points per game5.5 assists · assists per game5.1 rebounds · rebounds per game41 percent · field goal percentage18 games · games played4.7 turnovers · turnovers per game

James Harden said he definitely wants to stay with the Cavaliers after the Eastern Conference Finals

100 percent · desire to stay James Harden, player

The new deal is likely to be in the $60 million, 2‑year range

60 million · deal amount John Sabol, Fox 8 sports reporter

The new deal should shave $12 million to $14 million off the Cavaliers’ payroll

12 million · payroll reduction14 million · payroll reduction John Sabol, Fox 8 sports reporter

The expected second apron line is $222 million

222 million · second apron line

Jalen Brunson scored 38 points in a historic 22‑point, fourth‑quarter comeback

38 points · points scored22 points · comeback points

James Harden said he definitely wants to be here.

James Harden, player

Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 46% shooting, 43.5% from 3, in 26 games after the All-Star break.

20.5 points · points7.7 assists · assists4.8 rebounds · rebounds46 percent · shooting43.5 percent · 3-point shooting26 games · games

Harden is in talks with the Cavs on a new multiyear deal.

ESPN, reporter

The new deal should shave $12 million-$14 million off the Cavaliers’ payroll.

at least 12 million · payroll reduction John Sabol, Fox 8 sports reporter

The Cavaliers acquired Harden in a trade involving Darius Garland, and they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.

2018 · first time since

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James Harden has declined his $42.3 million player option on his contract with the Cavaliers, but he’s likely sticking around in Cleveland.

Harden is in talks with the Cavs on a new multiyear deal, ESPN reported Monday, ahead of the start of NBA free agency on Tuesday.

“Yes, 100 percent. Definitely want to be here,” Harden said after the Cavaliers were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. “I think we found something. It’s tough ending it not how we wanted to, but I think we found something.”

The new deal, which will likely be in the $60 million, 2-year range, according to Fox 8 sports reporter John Sabol, should shave $12 million-$14 million off the Cavaliers’ payroll.

Cleveland had the highest payroll in the NBA last season at a record-breaking $228.6 million, and with no major roster moves expected, needs to find other ways to get below the expected second apron line of $222 million.

The Cavaliers acquired Harden this season in a trade involving Darius Garland, a move that proved beneficial as they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.

The 11-time All-Star averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds on 46% shooting (43.5% from 3) in 26 games with the Cavs after the All-Star break.

Harden averaged 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds on 41% shooting in 18 playoff games this year, though he also averaged 4.7 turnovers a game.

His defense took a lot of flak during the playoff run as well, especially after Jalen Brunson scored 38 points in a historic 22-point, fourth-quarter comeback.

Harden was arrested in Houston earlier this month for unlawful carrying of weapons for having a handgun in his vehicle.

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