The Cavaliers continue looking for ways to create financial flexibility, and James Harden may be playing a major role.
According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Harden is expected to re-sign with Cleveland but is waiting to finalize a new contract while the Cavs explore additional roster moves.
The idea? Create enough cap flexibility to potentially offer LeBron James more than a veteran minimum contract.
As Hoops Wire reported earlier Tuesday, league sources have identified the Cavs, Warriors and Heat as the leading contenders for James after he informed the Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.
Vardon reported that if Harden signs for roughly $30 million next season, the Cavs could position themselves near the NBA’s first apron. From there, they would still need to clear about $16 million in salary to gain access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
According to Vardon, that’s one reason the Cavs have explored trading forward Max Strus, who is owed $16.6 million next season. If Cleveland can move Strus without taking significant salary back, it could create a path to offering James a deal starting around $15 million.
Whether that proves enough remains to be seen.
James, 41, is coming off another productive season and, as Hoops Wire has reported, the Cavaliers would fully embrace a third stint with the Akron native if a deal can be worked out.
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