Harden declines $42.3 million option, works on new multiyear deal

The Cleveland team’s newest addition is declining his $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, and the sides are negotiating a new multiyear contract, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday. The team acquired the player in a midseason trade that helped it advance to its first Eastern Conference finals since 2018.

The club was later swept by the Knicks but credited the addition with extending its postseason run.

Performance after the trade In 26 regular-season games after the All-Star break, the player averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range. His postseason numbers were less consistent.

Across 18 playoff games he posted 19.2 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds on 41 percent shooting, including 29.9 percent from beyond the arc, and he averaged a career-high 4.7 turnovers per game.

Outlook for next season The player, who turns 37 in August, said he was adjusting on the fly after joining a new roster and playing alongside the team’s established star. Team officials hope a full offseason will allow smoother integration.