Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has declined his $42.3-million player option for the 2026-27 campaign and is working on a new multi-year deal with Cleveland, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 36-year-old averaged 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and eight assists on 43.4% shooting across 70 regular-season outings in 2025-26 with the Cavs and Los Angeles Clippers.
Harden helped guide the Cavs to the Eastern Conference finals after joining the team in a blockbuster trade in February. Cleveland’s run ended with a sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks, with the veteran guard averaging 16 points on 37.4% shooting in the four-game series.