James Harden arrest not expected to impact Cavs negotiations

The expectation around the NBA remains the same when it comes to James Harden and the Cavaliers.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Harden’s recent arrest on a misdemeanor gun charge in Texas is not expected to impact contract discussions between the veteran guard and Cleveland.

Fischer reported that the anticipation remains for Harden to re-sign with the Cavs after helping lead the team to the Eastern Conference finals following his arrival at the February trade deadline.

Harden was arrested in Houston early Saturday morning and charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon after police reportedly discovered a handgun in plain view inside his vehicle during a traffic stop.

The charge is a misdemeanor, and Harden has since retained prominent Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to represent him.

Meanwhile, the business side appears to be moving forward.

NBA teams were permitted to begin discussions with their own free agents and potential free agents on Sunday, one day after the Finals concluded.

Harden holds a player option worth $42.3 million for next season, though only $13.3 million of that figure is guaranteed if he exercises it.

Per Fischer, league insiders generally expect Harden to decline the option and sign a new two-year contract.

The projected value is believed to be around $60 million, though some around the league think the deal could come in higher.

Following the Cavs’ season-ending loss to the Knicks, Harden made it clear he’d welcome a return.

“Definitely want to be here,” he said. “I think we found something.”

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