This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Latest James Harden free agency update significant for Cavaliers
The aftermath of LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency has been mostly fueled with broad-ranging opinions and various tidbits about how the process reportedly played out. However, James choosing the Sixers also has an impact on several other players league-wide, specifically James Harden , DeMar DeRozan and (until today) Draymond Green.
While ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that Green had re-signed with the Golden State Warriors on a one-year, $27.7 million deal, after initially opting out of his original contract , the other shoe has yet to drop for Harden and DeRozan. However, for Harden at least, it appears his outlook for the 2026-27 season will likely bring him back to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Latest on James Harden's future with the Cavaliers
Longtime NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line that Harden is "expected to soon ink" a new deal to remain with the Cavs. But when it comes to the specific numbers, Fischer points out that guessing Harden's contract value with Cleveland is hard, given the team's interest in Jonathan Kuminga.
"A contract between Harden and Cleveland, meanwhile, is still expected to max out at no more than two guaranteed years, league sources say," Fischer wrote. "Projecting the specific salary number remains fluid given the Cavaliers' ongoing interest in Jonathan Kuminga and their determination to stay out of the second apron for a second successive season.
What's clear in Cleveland: Even after the signing of Mario Hezonja, sources with knowledge of the Cavaliers' thinking insisted Monday that they continue to maintain Kuminga interest."
The tidbit about Harden's deal maxing out at "no more than two guaranteed years" is noteworthy, although it makes sense for the 36-year-old guard. And with the Cavaliers' reported interest in Kuminga, Harden's deal, in terms of both dollars and guarantees, could become very interesting. He's coming off a two-year, $81.5 million deal , but opted out of the second year, which would have been the 2026-27 season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Latest James Harden free agency update significant for Cavaliers
Latest James HardenCavaliersFollowing LeBron JamesJames HardenLeBron JamesPhiladelphiaHoweverJamesSixersDeMar DeRozanDraymond GreenWhile ESPN
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