Cavs Notes: James Harden, Mike Gansey, Kenny Atkinson

The Cavaliers are already generating plenty of offseason chatter.

Here are a few of the latest items from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line:

Harden Deal

According to Fischer and Stein, the Cavaliers remain optimistic about re-signing James Harden to a new multiyear contract this summer.

The expectation is that Harden’s next deal would come with a lower annual salary than the $39.4 million he earned this past season. Early estimates around the league have reportedly landed in the neighborhood of $30 million per year.

Such a move could help Cleveland create additional financial flexibility and potentially move below the NBA’s second tax apron.

That would align with Harden’s recent comments about doing “whatever it takes” to help the Cavaliers contend. We have more on his contract situation here.

Gansey Update

Elsewhere, Cavs general manager Mike Gansey continues to receive attention around the league.

Fischer and Stein report that Gansey recently interviewed with the 76ers for their head of basketball operations opening. Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’Ren also interviewed, with sources indicating Gansey and Sixers assistant GM Jameer Nelson are viewed as the leading candidates.

Gansey has been a key figure in Cleveland’s front office throughout the franchise’s rise back into contention.

Atkinson Rumor

One other interesting note: Fischer and Stein report that rumors linking Hawks coach Quin Snyder to Cleveland were never viewed as particularly realistic internally.

Despite speculation during the regular season, sources told The Stein Line that Kenny Atkinson was always expected to return for a third season with the Cavaliers.

As has since been confirmed, that’s exactly what happened.