sports
Sources: Harden nixes option, eyes new Cavs deal
Key takeaways
- The Cleveland Cavaliers' James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 and the sides are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday.
- The Cavs made a major shakeup to their roster with a midseason trade to bring in Harden.
- Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds on 46% shooting (43.5% from 3) in 26 games with the Cavs after the All-Star break.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 and the sides are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Monday.
The Cavs made a major shakeup to their roster with a midseason trade to bring in Harden. It helped catapult Cleveland to its first Eastern Conference Finals since 2018, and although the Cavs were swept by the Knicks, they credited Harden in the aftermath for helping the team advance deeper in the playoffs.
Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds on 46% shooting (43.5% from 3) in 26 games with the Cavs after the All-Star break.
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