James Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, has declined his player option with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2026/27 season, according to Shams Charania.
James Harden was set to earn $42.3 million next season, but by declining the option, the 36-year-old will officially become an unrestricted free agent.
However, he has already begun negotiations with the Cleveland Cavaliers over a new multi-year deal, making a return the expected outcome.
James Harden arrived in Cleveland via a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2025, with Darius Garland and a second-round pick heading in the opposite direction.
The former NBA MVP helped the Cleveland Cavaliers reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018, when the franchise was led by LeBron James. However, the Cavaliers were swept by the New York Knicks, who went on to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
In 26 regular-season games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 43.5% from three-point range.
