Players will no longer switch teams through free agency in the traditional sense. Instead, they will be traded to teams that are willing to offer contract extensions when a player has just one year left on their deal. This approach seems to explain James Harden’s trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to comments made by Koby Altman during a media session on Thursday afternoon.
When asked if he planned to extend Harden’s contract past this season, Altman said it wasn’t the right moment to discuss that and that negotiations couldn’t take place until after the finals. However, he made it clear that Harden wants to be in Cleveland.
“He envisions his future with the Cavaliers,” Altman stated.
Altman elaborated that Harden effectively had a no-trade clause but waived it to join Cleveland. “He controlled where he would and wouldn’t go. He left behind a great setup in Los Angeles—one that helped him reach his goals—and chose Cleveland because it’s a prime basketball destination,” Altman explained.
Harden is earning $39.4 million this season, with a $42.3 million player option for the next one. If the Cavaliers thought Harden wasn’t committed to their team, they wouldn’t have made the trade. Likewise, Harden likely wouldn’t have given up his no-trade clause if he didn’t believe he’d receive an extension.
Looking ahead to next summer, there’s a chance the Cavs will offer Harden a two-year deal, potentially with a player option in the second year, depending on Harden’s performance and business decisions over recent seasons.
For now, it’s evident that Harden is keen to be part of Cleveland, and the Cavaliers are pleased to have him.
Altman summed it up, saying, “I’ve been advocating for a long time that Cleveland is a fantastic basketball destination. We’re experiencing some of the best moments of our careers here, and our players want to be a part of it. Having one of the greatest players ever choose to come here is both an honor and privilege. It’s exciting to watch James reach new milestones as he pursues a championship ring with us.”
Fan Take: This development signals a major shift in how player movement happens, putting more power in the players’ hands while ensuring stability for teams. For basketball fans, Harden’s commitment to Cleveland could spark a thrilling new chapter in the NBA, potentially reshaping the championship landscape.
