Reports: James Harden opts out, negotiating new deal with Cavs

James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers are in talks about a multiyear extension after Harden declined the $42.3 million player's option on his contract, multiple outlets reported Monday.

If the 11-time All-Star and the Cavaliers don't reach an agreement, Harden will become a free agent.

Cleveland acquired Harden from the Clippers at the February trade deadline and sent fellow All-Star guard Darius Garland to Los Angeles.

Harden, who turns 37 in August, previously said he wants to play in Cleveland and to sign another contract with the Cavaliers.

Should that happen, Harden is expected to give up salary -- perhaps $10 million or more per season -- in exchange for a longer deal and more guaranteed money, per The Athletic.

That would give Cleveland some much-needed salary relief heading into next season. Cleveland had the highest payroll in the league in 2025-26.

Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 regular-season games for the Cavs, who went to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018. They were swept by the New York Knicks.

Harden has averages of 24.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 7.3 assists in 1,221 regular-season appearances (1,007 starts) with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Clippers and Cavaliers.

--Field Level Media