James Harden will continue his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers after agreeing to a three-year contract extension, securing his future with a franchise looking to remain in contention for the NBA championship.
James Harden Re-Signs With Cleveland Cavaliers on Three-Year Deal
James Harden will continue his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers after agreeing to a three-year, $97 million extension, with the goal of continuing his pursuit of the first championship of his career.
The 36-year-old guard was one of the biggest names still available in free agency this summer. However, his future has now been decided, and he will remain in Cleveland after joining the team last season from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Harden Will Stay in Cleveland Through 2029
Harden's new contract is reportedly worth $97 million and will keep him with the Cavaliers through 2029. The agreement also reportedly includes an option to extend his stay for an additional season.
The contract also contains a clause that would require Cleveland to pay him an additional percentage if the franchise decides to trade him to another team during the deal.
Harden arrived with the Cavaliers last February and quickly became an important part of the team. His experience and ability to create offense helped Cleveland reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the most recent playoffs.
The 2017-18 MVP averaged 23.6 points and eight assists per game last season, numbers that showed he can still play a leading role despite entering the latter stages of his career.
Harden and Donovan Mitchell Maintain Star-Studded Backcourt
The extension also ensures that Harden will continue sharing the backcourt with Donovan Mitchell, forming one of the most experienced and dangerous guard combinations in the Eastern Conference.
For Harden, the ultimate goal remains winning the first championship of his career. After a career filled with individual accolades and historic seasons, an NBA title remains the biggest achievement missing from the veteran's résumé.
The Cavaliers will also have Mario Hezonja, who joined the team last month after ending his stint with Real Madrid.
With Harden, Mitchell and Hezonja on the roster, Cleveland maintains an experienced core with the intention of once again competing near the top of the Eastern Conference and taking another step toward the NBA Finals.
