Cleveland re-signs James Harden to a three-year extension

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

James Harden is staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After Harden declined his player option to enter free agency in June 2026, the superstar point guard and the Eastern Conference franchise finally found common ground and will run it back when the 2026-27 NBA season begins this October.

According to veteran ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Harden agreed to a three-year, USD 97 million extension that includes a player option for the third season and a trade kicker.

The relationship previously hit a rough patch after Harden declined his USD 42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, a month after the Cavaliers lost the Eastern Conference finals to the New York Knicks.

Harden decided to become a free agent amid rumors that the Cavaliers were willing to let him go to free up salary cap space in an attempt to lure LeBron James back.

However, James took a different route and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers to team up with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

After James’ decision, the Cavaliers quickly presented Harden with the paperwork, and he signed the three-year deal.

Harden’s debut season with Cleveland was fruitful, as he led the squad to a deep NBA playoff run and within one series victory of reaching the NBA Finals after setting up an Eastern Conference finals matchup with New York.

Just when the Cavaliers thought they could carry the momentum from their first two playoff series wins, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks spoiled their campaign by sweeping them in four games and preventing Cleveland from ending a 17-year NBA Finals appearance drought.

In his first season with Cleveland, Harden played 26 regular-season games and averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds.

Cavaliers fans now have high expectations for their team following the signing of former Denver Nuggets rising star Peyton Watson to a four-year, USD 88 million contract.

With Donovan Mitchell still steering the ship, Harden serving as floor general and Watson entering the picture, NBA analysts predict a decent run for the Cavaliers when the next season begins.