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League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Trades

James Harden signs three-year, $97 million deal with Cavaliers

CBS NBA • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:49 PM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

James Harden signs three-year, $97 million deal with Cavaliers
Summary

James Harden has finalized a three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, keeping him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. The deal follows the Cavaliers' acquisition of Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets in a five-team sign-and-trade; this move cleared space for Harden's return after he declined his player option. Harden's new contract, which includes a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, positions him as one of the top earners in NBA history. The Cavaliers aim to contend in a competitive Eastern Conference, with a revamped roster after finishing last season by reaching the conference finals but being swept by the New York Knicks.

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  • •Harden previously averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists last season.
  • •Cavaliers exchanged Darius Garland for Harden prior to last season.
  • •Peyton Watson's addition comes with a four-year, $88 million contract.
  • •Cleveland has re-signed Donovan Mitchell to a max extension.
  • •The Cavaliers have the fourth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference at +850.
Latest Updates
  • 5:49 PMCBS NBA — James Harden returning to Cavaliers on three-year, $97 million deal after team's acquisition of Peyton Watson
What they're saying
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It took nearly two months for Harden to get a new contract from the Cavs as they scrambled to bolster their roster

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Cleveland CavaliersNBABasketball

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