James Harden agrees to new three-year, $97 million deal with Cavaliers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:09 PM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026

James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a three-year contract worth $97 million. The agreement follows Harden's decision to decline a player option and extends a deal that includes a player option and a trade kicker. The contract comes after the Cavaliers were unable to sign LeBron James, who opted to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden's new deal increases his guaranteed money after previously declining a $42.3 million player option. The Cavaliers are also navigating a hard cap due to adding wing Peyton Watson in a trade with the Denver Nuggets.
- •Harden's contract worth $97 million includes a player option.
- •Cavs failed to sign LeBron James, who joined the 76ers.
- •Harden averaged 19.2 points in 18 playoff games with the Cavs.
- •Cavs are hard-capped at the first apron due to roster moves.
- •Harden's previous player option was worth $42.3 million.
- 5:09 PMYahoo Sports — James Harden and Cleveland Cavaliers agree to new contract
"After James Harden declined a player option and waited to re-sign with the Cavs amid their pursuit of LeBron James, Harden and the team struck a deal.
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