Follow usFree agent James Harden has agreed to a new 3-season, 97 million dollar deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, his agents shared with the media.
The Beard’s NBA earnings will now reach over 500 million dollars, making him the 4th basketballer in league history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining the 76ers’ superstar LeBron James, the Rockets’ leader Kevin Durant and the Warriors legend Steph Curry.
James turns 37 later this month, and when the 11-time NBA All-Star officially signs, he will become the 2nd player in NBA history to ink for over 90 million in guaranteed money at 37 or older, with LeBron the only other. The new deal will take him into his 20th NBA campaign.
Earlier this summer, Harden declined his over 42 million dollar player option. But after that, James and his team worked with the Cavs on a 2- and 3-year structure for a new contract. James allowed his former organization to use as much time as needed this offseason to add players.
James Harden gets paid to run it back in Cleveland, his agents told @ShamsCharania 💰
His career earnings will now reach $511 million, making him the fourth player in NBA history to eclipse the $500 million mark, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. pic.twitter.com/bVtvd32UXn
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 20, 2026
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