Two years, $75 million! Harden expected to sign early extension with Cavaliers this summer, also plans to recruit James

On March 28 Beijing time, according to sources from Cavaliers Nation, the Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to sign James Harden to a two-year contract during this offseason.

Harden is expected to decline his player option for next season and re-sign with the Cavaliers.On February 5 this season, the Cavaliers acquired this future Hall of Fame player from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harden holds a player option worth $42.3 million for next season, but only $13.3 million of it is guaranteed.

A source told Cavaliers Nation that the Cavaliers and Harden are expected to reach a two-year, $75 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season.

As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Harden has played 19 games for the Cavaliers since the blockbuster trade with the Clippers. During his time wearing the Cavaliers jersey, this former MVP averaged 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.7 assists, with shooting percentages of 48.2% from the field, 45.2% from three-point range, and 82.9% from the free-throw line.

When Harden plays, the Cavaliers have achieved a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. Sources indicate that Harden and Mitchell have developed a strong rapport, and both All-Star players are eager to win their first NBA championship together this season.

Sources also revealed that even if the Cavaliers win the championship this season, Harden and Mitchell still plan to recruit LeBron James to return to his hometown during the offseason.James is the greatest player in Cavaliers franchise history and will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, marking his first entry into the free agent market since 2018.

Sources say if James does not choose to retire this summer, he is likely to either re-sign with the Lakers or return to the Cavaliers.

It will be very interesting to see how far the Cavaliers, led by Harden, Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, can go in the 2026 playoffs. The Cavaliers have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2018.

Harden has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers, and Cavaliers during his career. He reached the NBA Finals with the Thunder in 2012, ultimately losing in five games to the Miami Heat led by James.