Cavs’ $97 million James Harden signing draws criticism: ‘I think that’s irresponsible’

Not everyone is convinced that the Cavaliers’ decision to sign James Harden for another three years and $97 million was a great idea.

“Three years, $97 million for somebody who turns 37 next week, I just think that’s irresponsible,” CBS Sports NBA writer Sam Quinn said during an appearance on the network, via Roundtable.

It’s certainly a fair take. Not that Harden wasn’t good for the Cavs. But there are questions about his age and playoff history.

Harden remains a highly productive player. After arriving in Cleveland last season, he averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 26 games, shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent on 3-pointers. The Cavs also reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018.

Still, there’s no getting around the age. As Hoops Wire reported when the agreement was reached, Harden’s three-year contract is fully guaranteed. It includes a player option for the third season and a trade kicker.

So yes, there is risk involved. There’s also some context.

The Cavs believe they’re firmly in a championship window with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. They also became younger and more athletic on the wing by acquiring 23-year-old Peyton Watson from Denver.

Harden, meanwhile, gave them time to complete other offseason business before finalizing his own contract.

In other words, the Cavs aren’t paying Harden based on what he might look like four or five years from now. They’re betting he can help them win right now.

Whether that remains true for all three years of the contract is another matter entirely.

And that’s where Quinn’s criticism, one shared by plenty of Cavs fans since the deal was announced, becomes a legitimate part of the conversation.

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