The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't ready to walk away from James Harden. Despite a brutal sweep at the hands of the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the franchise is doubling down on the former MVP guard. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Cleveland plans to offer Harden a long-term deal this offseason.
Harden, who has a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season, made it clear he wants to stay. "Definitely want to be here," Harden told reporters after the 130-93 Game 4 loss. "It's tough ending it not how we wanted to, but I think we found something."
The series ended Monday night, but the Cavaliers' confidence never recovered after they blew a 22-point lead in Game 1. That collapse set the tone for a sweep that left Cleveland searching for answers. Harden himself struggled mightily, averaging just 16.0 points on 38.9% shooting and committing 17 turnovers over the four games.
Yet despite the lopsided result, Harden insisted the Cavaliers are the better team. "It was 4-0, but I don't think we had a chance as far as our best shot," he said. "They dominated us 4-0. But I don't know if I can necessarily answer that question. Because genuinely I do feel like we're the better team."
The comment drew plenty of criticism, with analysts like Stephen A. Smith joking that Jalen Brunson should be arrested for 'assault' on James Harden. Others, like Max Kellerman, have been far less kind, with Kellerman drawing a controversial comparison between Harden's playoff flops and Donald Trump's leadership.
Despite the noise, Cleveland's front office appears committed. The Cavaliers believe Harden's leadership and experience can still lift them over the hump, even after a sweep that exposed their flaws. The Knicks, meanwhile, are charging into the NBA Finals, forcing MSG to shift a concert date to accommodate the playoff run.
Harden's future in Cleveland will likely be decided this summer. If he opts in, the Cavaliers have one more year to prove his faith is justified. If they sign him long-term, it's a bet that the 36-year-old can still be the engine of a championship team. Either way, the Cavs are all in on Harden.
