Harden's $97M deal and Watson trade highlight Cavs' offseason

Cleveland president Koby Altman said missing out on LeBron James, who signed with Philadelphia, didn't stop what he called a productive offseason.

The Cavaliers landed Peyton Watson in a five-team trade with Denver after a lengthy contract standoff, and James Harden signed a three-year, $97 million deal after pausing extension talks to let the front office finish its other business.

Coach Kenny Atkinson also said Mario Hezonja is joining the roster after five years playing in Europe, calling it a way to add experience at the right point in a player's career.

$97M · 3yrWatson DEN → CLE

James Harden LeBron James Mario Hezonja Peyton Watson Tyrese Proctor

Related updates

Hoops Rumors ↗· 7 Sept 2026

Update · LAC / TOR / CLE

★ MarqueeDone deal

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.

Heavy ↗· 28 Aug 2026

Trade rumor · CLE

★ MarqueeDeveloping

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.

ESPN ↗· 25 Aug 2026

Extension · CLE

★ MarqueeDone deal

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.