Heavy ↗· 28 Aug 2026
Trade rumor · CLE
★ MarqueeDeveloping
James Harden

Harden lands fifth in ESPN poll on the next star to ask out

ESPN's Summer Forecast panel picked the next superstar likely to request a trade, and James Harden drew the fifth-most votes behind Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson and Jaylen Brown.

Harden just signed a three-year, $97 million fully guaranteed deal in Cleveland that includes a third-year player option and a 15% trade kicker, per Cleveland.com. The Cavs are his fifth team in five years.

$97M · 3yr

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Hoops Rumors ↗· 7 Sept 2026
Update · LAC / TOR / CLE
★ MarqueeDone deal
James HardenDeMar DeRozanKawhi Leonard+3

Kawhi trade, Harden and Mathurin deals still await paperwork

The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto is expected to close soon now that the league's cap-circumvention probe has ended with a $700K fine and no suspension for Leonard. Under the original terms, the Clippers would get Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks and other assets back.

ESPN ↗· 25 Aug 2026
Extension · CLE
★ MarqueeDone deal
James Harden

Harden stays in Cleveland on $97M deal

James Harden has agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract to stay with the Cavaliers, his agency Equity Sports told ESPN. The deal was reported Thursday. Three years, big money, no drawn-out standoff.