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As we move closer and closer to the NBA Draft next month, the free agency and trade rumor mill is heating up — and there’s more than just Giannis Antetokounmpo talk (although there’s plenty of that, too). Here’s the latest on some other fronts.
Whatever happens in Game 7 on Sunday night between Cleveland and Detroit, however James Harden performs in that game, expect the Cavaliers to reach a contract extension with Harden this offseason.
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That’s not a surprise to anyone who followed his trade from the LA Clippers to Cleveland, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reminded us on Sunday.
Harden wanted contract certainty after this season, and the Clippers made it clear at midseason that they hadn’t decided whether to pick up his $42 million team option — $13 million guaranteed — for next season. When both sides showed their cards, Harden’s representation got permission to find a team willing to commit to him.
The Cavs were willing. Though a formal agreement is not allowed to be completed before the offseason, there is an understanding that the Cavs plan to work out a new deal to retain Harden, sources said.
There is zero chance Harden and his team okay that trade unless a handshake deal is in place for his next contract (and teams don’t go back on those kinds of deals, it’s bad for their reputation and getting other free agents to come). Cleveland will re-sign Harden this summer, and next summer will give Donovan Mitchell a new max — essentially locking the team into this core. (While Mitchell is extension eligible this summer, if he waits a year, he gets to 10 years of service and becomes eligible for a 35% of the cap max, as opposed to the 30% now, plus he can get a no-trade clause. It’s in his interest to wait.)
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That means if Cleveland wants to shake things up (especially if they fall in Game 7 on Sunday and again don’t get out of the second round), the focus will shift to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen potentially being put into the trade market.
If you think that all of this makes the Cavaliers sound expensive, you’re right — and they are already the only team over the second apron…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-trade-free-agency-rumors-165224960.html
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Publish date : 2026-05-17 16:52:00
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