A possible explanation has emerged for why James Harden remains unsigned despite reportedly having an agreement in place with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, Harden and the Cavaliers have reached a contract agreement. However, Cleveland is delaying the official signing to preserve salary-apron flexibility for the potential addition of another starter.
The Cavaliers are reportedly prioritizing Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson through a sign-and-trade while also remaining in close contact with Jonathan Kuminga.
Cavaliers and Harden discussing multi-year deal
As previous reports indicated, Cavaliers and the 11-time NBA All-Star were working together on a new contract.
The goal is to compensate Harden fairly while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to continue improving the roster.
According to league sources who spoke with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the possibilities include both two- and three-year agreements.
At this stage, the question is reportedly no longer whether Harden will remain with the Cavaliers, but when the deal will be finalized and what its exact terms will be.
Cleveland preserves flexibility for another move
Completing Harden's contract immediately would add his new salary to Cleveland's payroll and could restrict the team's ability to complete another significant transaction.
By leaving the agreement unofficial, the Cavaliers can maintain additional flexibility while exploring a sign-and-trade for Watson or a potential move involving Kuminga.
Once Cleveland completes its other roster business, the franchise is expected to finalize Harden's new contract.
Harden joined the Cavaliers from the Los Angeles Clippers at last season's trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Darius Garland to Los Angeles.
Across 64 appearances for Cleveland, Harden averaged 20.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while playing 35 minutes per game.