Harden and Cavaliers finally reach agreement on new contract
James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a new three-year, $97 million contract, ending one of the summer's last lingering free-agency questions. The deal pushes Harden's career earnings past the $500 million mark.
James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers have finally settled one of the last outstanding questions of this NBA offseason. While it was widely assumed the veteran guard would remain in Cleveland, no formal agreement had been confirmed until now.
Harden has signed a new three-year contract worth a total of $97 million. The deal includes a player option in its third year, meaning Harden will have the choice to opt out and leave the team after just two seasons if he wishes.
Passing a career milestone
The new contract pushes Harden's career earnings to roughly $511 million, making him only the fourth player in NBA history to surpass the $500 million mark, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry on that list. Harden turns 37 next week, on August 26.
From the Clippers to Cleveland
Harden began last season with the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Cavaliers. In Cleveland, he appeared in 26 games, averaging 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per contest.
The Cavaliers finished last regular season fourth in the Eastern Conference. Over the summer, the team was also involved in a multi-team trade that brought promising forward Payton Watson into the roster.
