Report: Cavs, James Harden expected to agree on two-year deal

 James Harden and the Cavaliers are expected to stay together after the season. The question is for how long.

According to NBA insider Ashish Mathur of Cavaliers Nation, Harden and the Cavs could reach agreement on a two-year deal this offseason.

For the record, Harden is expected to decline his player option for 2026-27. The option is worth $42.3 million, though only $13.3 million is guaranteed.

Sources have told Hoops Wire that Harden is indeed expected to opt out, with the idea of returning to Cleveland on a new deal.

“One source told Cavaliers Nation that he thinks Cleveland and Harden could agree to a two-year, $75 million deal, with a player option for the 2027-28 season,” Mathur wrote.

So far, so good since the Cavs acquired Harden from the Clippers ahead of the February trade deadline.

He’s averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 20 games, serving as a strong second option next to Donovan Mitchell. At times, he’s been a third or even fourth option behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

That’s something Harden has indicated he’s fine with.

Of course, there’s still a lot to play out. Much of it will depend on how the postseason unfolds.

Still, if things continue trending this way, a new deal would make sense for both sides.