The Cleveland Cavaliers have penned what should be there final “big move” of the offseason. After weeks of rumors around the framework of a James Harden deal, it was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania that Harden and the Cavaliers have come to an agreement.
The Cavaliers and Harden signed a three-year contract worth up to $97 million. The third year of the deal is a player option, and the contract includes a trade kicker as well. All three years are guaranteed.
Harden has been patient and very helpful with the Cavaliers’ offseason plans. With Harden declining his $42.3 million player option in June, it opened up the Cavaliers’ ability to navigate under the second apron.
Support us and Let ‘Em Know with Homage!
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Believeland shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
The Cavaliers appear to be done with all their big swings after the recent acquisition of Peyton Watson. They’ve finally rewarded Harden for his patience through the LeBron James decision and then the trades of Dennis Schroder and Max Strus for Watson.
The Cavaliers were able to get Harden to lower his annual salary in a three-year deal to get under both the first and second aprons. For all the discourse about Harden and his approach to basketball on and off the court, it appears Harden was true to the rumors about giving the Cavaliers flexibility and was patient enough to allow the team to improve the roster.
While Harden’s deal will see him being paid around $32 million annually at age 39 is something that might be tough to swallow; it also needs to be noted that he has given the Cavaliers the ability to remain relevant in a greatly improved Eastern Conference in the short term.
Last season, Harden averaged 23.6 points, 8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 70 games for both the Cavs and Los Angeles Clippers. He appeared in 18 playoff games for Cleveland, averaging 19.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds.
Read the full article here