The Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed James Harden to a three-year, $97-million contract that includes a player option and trade kicker, his agents told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Harden declined his $42.3-million player option in June before ultimately returning to Cleveland on a multi-year deal.
The Cavs acquired Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers last February in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round draft pick.
Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 boards across 26 regular-season appearances for Cleveland before helping the franchise reach its first East finals since 2018.
The 11-time All-Star's return comes a day after the Cavs reportedly acquired restricted free agent Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets in a five-team sign-and-trade.
Cleveland apparently inked Watson to a four-year, $88-million contract, which includes a player option and a trade kicker.
Harden played a key role in recruiting Watson and stayed in active communication with him during free agency, sources told Charania.














