James Harden reportedly declines $42.3 million option with Cavaliers, but wants to stick with team

[ASFN Admin]

James Harden would like to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, but wants a long-term deal to make that a reality. Because of that, Harden reportedly declined his one-year, $42.3 million option with the team, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Despite declining that option, the 36-year-old Harden is working with the team on a multiyear extension, per Charania.

Cleveland Cavaliers' James Harden is declining his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 and the sides are working through a new multiyear deal together, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/UiE1bn3BnP

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2026

After a midseason trade, Harden performed well with the Cavaliers in a brief 26-game stint. He averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists with the franchise.

This story will be updated.

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