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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to keep James Harden this offseason when he enters free agency, but the contract is a lot higher than many forecasted. Harden was expected to receive a smaller contract extension offer from the Los Angeles Clippers before they traded him to Cleveland. It became apparent the Clippers would not be Harden’s long-term home, and the Cavaliers stepped in to improve their playoff chances with another proven veteran.
NBA insider Ashish Mathur reported the following about Cleveland’s likely offer:
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to sign James Harden to a two-year deal this offseason, sources told Cavaliers Nation. Harden is expected to decline his player option for next season and re-sign with the Cavaliers, who acquired the future Hall of Famer from the Los Angeles Clippers on February 4.
Harden has a player option for next season worth $42.3 million. However, his salary is guaranteed only at $13.3 million. One source told Cavaliers Nation that he thinks Cleveland and Harden could agree to a two-year, $75 million deal, with a player option for the 2027-28 season.”
Cleveland will offer Harden nearly $40 million per season due to how good he’s looked since joining the team. Opposing teams are not expected to outbid the Cavaliers for the aging point guard.
Why Cavaliers Will Pay James Harden
Harden has fit in perfectly with Cleveland’s system and has done everything they’ve desired in replacing Darius Garland. Both big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley are better offensively with a passer like Harden setting them up in pick and roll plays.
Allen has played some of the best basketball of his entire career in games with Harden this season. Mobley taking another step forward offensively is needed for the Cavaliers to win a title, and that is more likely with Harden at the point guard position.
Another big key to this offer is the future of Donovan Mitchell, who only has one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season. Cleveland hopes having Harden on the roster will convince him to sign a long-term extension. Even if the Cavaliers don’t keep Mitchell, Harden remains a star guard to run the offense with a talented roster.
How Will This Impact LeBron’s Summer
Cleveland is reportedly also interested in LeBron James and would love to sign him in free agency if he leaves the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the move will require James to take a massive pay cut to retire at home.
Harden’s contract would fully mean that LeBron must accept a minimum contract or something close to that since the Cavaliers will be paying four other All-Stars. James will have to take a pay cut to stay in Los Angeles as well, but it is a more extreme drop off for Cleveland.
The offseason will require LeBron seeing the Cavaliers proving themselves in the playoffs to have one final chance at a ring. Recent success for the Lakers could see the winning playing a role in James choosing to stay. Regardless of how much money Harden gets, Cleveland needs a great playoff run to get LeBron on a minimum.