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Cavaliers superstar James Harden predicted to opt-out of current deal, receive $65 million contract update originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished off another good season, with a record of 52-30 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. Getting superstar James Harden at the trade deadline was also a key factor in their success.
However, Harden has the ability to leave after this season if he wants to. Luckily, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus predicts that he won’t, and will reject his option and will re-sign a longer contract with Cleveland.
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“The Cavaliers recently traded for Harden from the LA Clippers, knowing the former NBA MVP has the option to explore unrestricted free agency in July. Harden also had to approve the deal, which meant he lost his full rights (traded after re-signing for one year with the Clippers). Putting that all together, Harden and the Cavaliers presumably have an understanding that may include the veteran guard opting out to re-sign on a two-year deal starting at around $32.5 million (give or take $2.5 million).,” Pincus wrote.
Harden finished this season averaging 23.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and eight assists in 34.8 minutes per game. He became a vital part of the Cavs’ offense, becoming the playmaking maestro they’ve needed for a while.
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Pincus is projected Harden will receive a two-year, $65 million deal. Currently, Harden only has a $42 million player option for next season, so this works better for the Cavs as they get Harden for two more years instead of one, and for a lower AAV.
With that lower AAV, it allows them to pursue other stars in free agency, such as LeBron James, who could come home for his possible final season. Hopefully, the Cavs realize this is a move they need to make, and get to work.
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