ESPN insider outlines ideal contract for Cavs’ James Harden

Cavaliers guard James Harden holds one of the more fascinating contract decisions entering the offseason.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the smartest path forward for both Harden and the Cavs may involve tearing up the current deal and starting over with a new one.

In his NBA free agency rankings, Marks proposed a two-year, $56 million contract for Harden, one that would require the veteran guard to decline his $42.3 million player option for next season.

Why would Harden do that? Flexibility.

Marks explained that lowering Harden’s starting salary to roughly $28 million would help Cleveland remain below the dreaded second apron while still maintaining room to fill out the roster around Harden, Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the core.

“To recoup the $14 million in reduced salary,” Marks wrote, “Harden would earn $28 million in the second year.”

From Cleveland’s perspective, the fit with Mitchell has largely worked.

The Cavs went 16-6 during the regular season when Harden and Mitchell shared the floor together, according to Marks. Even more impressive, the pairing posted a 122.1 offensive rating, a number that would have ranked first in the NBA over a full season.

That’s the good part. The postseason has been shakier.

Marks noted Harden is averaging a career-high 4.9 turnovers per game in the playoffs while shooting just 40.8 percent overall and 31.8 percent from three-point range.

And yes, the playoff turnover numbers are pretty staggering historically. Marks pointed out Harden has now recorded 32 postseason games in which he finished with more turnovers than made field goals.

Still, the Cavs appear committed to maximizing this current championship window around Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Keeping Harden probably remains part of that equation.

The question is whether both sides are willing to compromise financially to make the rest of the roster work around them.