Contract signing · CLE
★ MarqueeDone deal
Harden back with Cavaliers on $97M deal
Cleveland has officially signed James Harden to a three-year, $97 million contract, president Koby Altman confirmed. The deal includes a player option for 2028-29 and a trade kicker, according to agents Mike Silverman, Troy Payne and Brandon Grier of Equity Sports, who represent Harden.
The agreement was reportedly reached in late August, roughly two months into the process, before Tuesday's formal announcement, and came together after the Cavaliers moved to add Peyton Watson.
Harden's return also appeared among the headlines in a CBS Sports multi-sport newsletter roundup, without terms, timeline or a reporter attached.
$97M · 3yr
+ 10 reports from 6 outlets
Hoops Rumors · 9 Sept 2026Harden's Cavs deal breaks down to $96.5M with a trade kicker
Sportando · 8 Sept 2026Cavaliers officially re-sign James Harden for three years, $97M
Hoops Rumors · 8 Sept 2026Harden's Cavs deal is now official, though value may dip below $97M
Heavy · 8 Sept 2026Cavaliers make it official: Harden signs $97M, three-year deal
RealGM · 8 Sept 2026Harden makes it official: three years, $97M to stay in Cleveland
Hoops Rumors · 26 Aug 2026Harden's $97M Cleveland deal still not official
CBS Sports · 21 Aug 2026Newsletter item says James Harden is back with Cleveland
CBS Sports · 20 Aug 2026Harden Back With Cavaliers On $97M Deal
RealGM · 20 Aug 2026Harden Re-Ups With Cleveland On Three-Year, $97M Deal
The Athletic · 20 Aug 2026Harden agrees to three-year, $97M deal to stay in Cleveland
