Breaking: James Harden Signs 3-Year, $97M Deal with Cavaliers, Career Earnings Surpass $500M, Joinin

　　Cleveland, OH – The Cavaliers locked in a big one this offseason. Former MVP and 11-time All-Star James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract extension with the team, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal includes a player option for the 2028-29 season and a 15% trade kicker.

　　With this new contract, Harden—who turns 37 on August 26—will push his career earnings past $511 million. He becomes just the fourth player in NBA history to cross the $500 million mark, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. He’s also only the second player ever (after LeBron) to sign a guaranteed deal worth over $90 million at age 37 or older.

　　Back in late June, Harden wisely turned down his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. He gave up that hefty one-year paycheck to chase long-term security—and gave the Cavs front office some breathing room to make moves.

　　After the Cavs missed out on LeBron in free agency (he went to Philly in July), the front office quickly reshuffled the roster. They dealt Dennis Schröder and Max Strus in a multi-team trade, and with Harden personally recruiting, they pulled off a sign-and-trade with Denver to bring in 23-year-old forward Peyton Watson (four years, $88 million). They also signed former lottery pick and EuroLeague star Mario Hezonja. Harden’s willingness to take a lower average salary (around $32 million per year) was the key that kept the team under the second apron.

　　Since arriving in February, Harden helped the Cavs go 19-7 down the stretch (post-All-Star averages: 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 44% from three). When he was on the floor, the team’s offensive efficiency ranked top three in the league.

　　In the playoffs, Harden played 18 games, averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. He and Donovan Mitchell formed a devastating backcourt duo, leading the Cavs to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2018—and the first without LeBron since 1993. They eventually lost to the eventual champion New York Knicks.

　　Now entering his 18th season, Harden’s new deal will keep him in the league through his 20th. With Mitchell already locked up on a max extension through 2030-31, the Cavs’ projected starting five—Harden, Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen—gives them a mix of playmaking, firepower, and defensive length. They’re gunning for the franchise’s next title.

　　(As of August 2026)

　　LeBron James: $585 million

　　Kevin Durant: $545 million

　　Stephen Curry: $535 million

　　James Harden: $511 million