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NBA·TRADE·August 19, 2026 09:40 PM ET

Cavaliers nearing new contract with James Harden following five-team trade

Pact clears once the Schröder and Strus moves turn official

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 211 min read
Post on X
Reported on Sunday night that, according to one source briefed on the process, James Harden’s long-awaited new deal with Via @TheSteinLine on X

What happened: The Cleveland Cavaliers will soon sign James Harden to a long-awaited new contract. The organization can proceed with finalizing the agreement after it officially completes a pending five-team trade.

Why it matters: Cleveland prioritized securing Harden to anchor its backcourt following an extensive offseason roster overhaul. The Cavaliers have kept Harden talks active while waiting for their complex multi-team transaction to clear league offices. Integrating the veteran point guard finalizes the team's cap strategy for the upcoming season.

By the numbers: Financial fallout from the five-team transaction leaves Cleveland $28.4 million under the first-apron hard cap before accounting for Harden's new salary.

What to watch: Expect a formal announcement of the five-team trade to immediately precede Harden's official signing.

Sources

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