Cavaliers finalize James Harden's three-year deal worth up to $97 million
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:51 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed James Harden to a three-year contract worth up to $97 million, with the third year being a player option. This deal marks the conclusion of the Cavaliers' major offseason moves following the acquisition of Peyton Watson. Harden's contract was restructured to provide the team with salary cap flexibility, allowing them to strengthen their roster in a competitive Eastern Conference. Last season, he averaged 23.6 points, 8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 70 games.
- •Harden's deal includes a trade kicker and all guaranteed years.
- •Harden declined a $42.3 million player option to facilitate the signing.
- •Cavs previously traded Dennis Schroder and Max Strus for Peyton Watson.
- •Harden averaged 19.2 points in 18 playoff games for the Cavs last season.
- 5:51 PMYahoo Sports — James Harden finalizes new deal with the Cavs
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 6:52 PMNBA's $500 million club: How James Harden's latest deal puts Cavs star in exclusive company
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 6:47 PMCavaliers roster, starting lineup after new James Harden contract
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 6:27 PMCavaliers, James Harden agree to three-year, nearly $100 million deal
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 5:52 PMLeBron James, golf hero? It’s happening right now on YouTube
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 5:49 PMJames Harden returning to Cavaliers on three-year, $97 million deal after team's acquisition of Peyton Watson
NBA•Aug 20, 2026, 5:26 PMLuka Doncic is apparently happy LeBron James left Lakers for one reason
