American reporter: Harden is expected to opt out of his player option and may sign a two-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cavaliers this summer.

According to NBA insider Jack Fisher on Thursday, James Harden is expected to decline his $42.3 million player option for the 2026/27 season. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will sign a two-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.

Harden himself had previously expressed a strong desire to stay in Cleveland. After the Cavaliers were eliminated, he stated clearly: "I look forward to staying in Cleveland next season. I want to return to the Cavaliers 100%."

James Harden, 36, was the third overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft. During his career, he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers. He accumulated 1,195 regular season games, averaging 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, and garnered numerous accolades, including six All-NBA First Team selections, 11 All-Star appearances, one Sixth Man of the Year award, three scoring titles, and two assist titles.

Since being traded to the Cavaliers in February, Harden has delivered an impressive performance in 26 regular season games, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. However, during the playoffs, he averaged only 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.7 steals, and the Cavaliers were ultimately swept 0-4 by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Image source: Internet/Fox Sports