He was undoubtedly the biggest name still available on the NBA free agent market. But there was little suspense about his destination. Since the start of NBA free agency, it was reported that James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers were working to reach an agreement.
Now it's official: the 2018 MVP will re-sign with the Ohio franchise for three years and $97 million.
Arriving in February in exchange for Darius Garland, Harden wanted to stay with a team that has a shot at the title. The Cavs are coming off a season where they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but after winning two series in game 7, they were swept by the eventual champions, the Knicks.
Cleveland had hoped to bring back LeBron James for a third and final stint, but that didn't happen. However, they did re-sign Harden and acquired the promising Nuggets player Peyton Watson, sending Max Strus the other way. On top of that, they've secured their franchise player Donovan Mitchell. All in all, it's been a positive offseason for the Cavs, who will be a team to watch closely next season.
As for James Harden, who will turn 37 in a few days, it looks like he's set to finish his career with the Cavs. Unless he requests another trade...