Shams: Harden declines $42.3 million player option, in talks with Cavaliers on multi-year extension

According to Shams' report on June 29, ESPN learned from sources that James Harden, a guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, plans to reject his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign, and discussions are ongoing for a fresh long-term deal.

Born on August 26, 1989, Harden is currently a combo guard for the Cavaliers. He was the third overall pick in the 2009 draft and has played 17 NBA seasons, suiting up for six teams: the Thunder, Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers, and Cavaliers. He was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team.

From 2009 to 2012, Harden waited in the wings for the Thunder as a backup to Durant and Westbrook. In the 2011-12 season, he averaged 16.8 points, won Sixth Man of the Year, and helped the team reach the Finals. Traded to the Rockets in 2012, he entered his prime. Over nine years as the franchise cornerstone, he earned numerous major honors: in 2017-18, he averaged 30.4 points and 8.8 assists, led the team to 65 wins, and captured the regular-season MVP; from 2018 to 2020, he won three consecutive scoring titles, with a 36.1-point average in 2018-19 setting a 21st-century single-season record. He also secured two assists titles, six All-NBA First Team selections, and 11 All-Star appearances. He authored historic achievements such as a 60-point triple-double and a 32-game streak of 30+ points. His step-back three became his signature offensive weapon.

Chasing a championship, Harden began a journey of team changes. During his Nets stint, he balanced scoring and playmaking. With the 76ers, he voluntarily shifted to a pure passer role, averaging 10.7 assists for the season and winning the assists title. He then joined the Clippers to team up with Leonard and George. In February 2026, Harden was traded to the Cavaliers, and this season he guided the team back to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in eight years.

At 37, Harden still delivers elite offensive efficiency, combining self-created scoring, pick-and-roll facilitation, and foul-drawing ability. However, his playoff three-point consistency and defensive shortcomings have long been points of criticism.

With career total points in the top ten all-time and a complete collection of individual awards—MVP, scoring titles, assists titles, and Sixth Man of the Year—Harden represents a transformative high-usage ball-handler in NBA history. The only missing piece is an NBA championship, and his current goal remains to lead his team to a title.