Cleveland Cavaliers · G · Drafted 2009 (No. 3)
James Harden
James Harden counts $42.3M against the cap for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, about 26% of it. He is in the final year of his deal, with a player option in 2026-27.
This season
$42.3M
Years left
1
Option
Player option 2026-27
Free agent
2027
Trade value
$42.3M
Year by year
| Season | Cap hit | % of cap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | $42.3M | 26% | Player optionThen a free agent |
What it means
The deal carries a player option in 2026-27, so he decides whether to play that season or reach free agency.
In a trade he sends out $42.3M in salary, the figure the other team has to match.
His deal runs through 2026-27. After that he reaches free agency, where his own team can usually offer more years and money than rivals through Bird rights.
Numbers come from the engine, off the league's books; cap holds and projected lines are estimates. See the full team picture on the Cleveland Cavaliers cap sheet.