James Harden declines option, becomes free agent, expected to re-sign with Cavs

As expected, Cavaliers point guard James Harden declined the $42.3 million option on his 2026-27 contract, ESPN reported Monday. He is now an unrestricted free agent but wants to return to Cleveland for his 18th season in the NBA. The two sides are negotiating a multiyear deal, thought to be for two years, worth around $30 million a season. Apparently, Harden's recent gun charge in Houston will have little bearing on a new contract. He was arrested June 13 on a misdemeanor charge of unlawfully carrying a weapon after police discovered an unholstered handgun in his car. Harden's court date has been changed to Aug. 3. He has retained prominent Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to represent him. The Cavs hope to sign the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder to a contract that lowers their salary cap number under the second apron of the luxury tax. That would allow the club more flexibility on the trade market. Harden, who turns 37 in August, averaged 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 70 games last season. After being dealt to Cleveland at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Clippers, he helped the Cavs advance to the Eastern Conference finals, where they were swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks. With free agency looming, the Cavs' main focus is to re-sign forward Dean Wade, though he has garnered interest from other teams. The 6-9, 228-pounder is a stalwart on Cleveland's defense and often covers the opposing team's top offensive threat. Cleveland might not be able to re-sign Wade and fellow unrestricted free agent Keon Ellis. Center Thomas Bryant is expected to sign a one-year contract to return to the team, ESPN reported. The 6-10, 250-pounder is expected to sign for the league minimum. The Cavs also plan on trying to sign All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell to a contract extension this summer. Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.