The Cleveland Cavaliers just issued the Philadelphia 76ers a reminder to celebrate: they have incredible value in the LeBron James contract.
You might not see one better. LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step on the court, and he signed with the Sixers for the minimum. While LeBron might not be in peak MVP form, he still just had an All-Star season.
After making over $50 million with the Los Angeles Lakers last year, James is going to play for the Sixers for under $4 million next season. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are giving Philly's old friend a boatload of cash on a multi-year deal.
James Harden's free agency run finds its conclusion
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James Harden has agreed to a three-year deal with the Cavaliers. He'll earn $97 million over the next few seasons, with a player option attached for the third year.
The last time Harden signed a deal, he agreed to two seasons, worth $81.5 million, with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers traded Harden midway through the 2025-2026 NBA season. While the Cavaliers could've been on the hook for $42.3 million next season, Harden declined his player option and landed a new deal.
At first glance, most NBA fans will probably shout overpay. Harden is 36 and just had another playoff performance that has been categorized as a flameout for the 11-time All-Star. Sure, it's expensive on the surface. But if the estimated salary numbers are correct (starting at $29.9 million for 2026-2027, per Spotrac), then the Cavaliers are saving compared to the salary they would've had to shell out had Harden picked up his option. The Cavaliers' front office can take some credit for that.
Still, the 76ers have to feel amazing looking at Cleveland become the second team to invest a ton in Harden, years after they decided not to give him a long-term contract after initially agreeing to pay him $68.6 million over two seasons, starting in 2022.
Harden has yet to reward a team's investment
I'm truly not here to celebrate Harden's shortcomings since he picked up his $35.6 million player option with the Sixers just to force his way to join the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2023-2024 season. I'm just here to offer perspective, highlighting just how fortunate the 76ers are to get one of the biggest discounts in NBA history.
Most view the 76ers' upcoming season as championship or bust because they have LeBron. That's fine. But at the end of the day, if they can't accomplish that goal, they've spent just $3.8 million on the aging forward if he decides to hang it up or leave.
The Cavaliers, who just came up short in the Eastern Conference Finals with Harden, have the same expectations. Harden is expected to be the seasoned veteran X-factor for them. If it doesn't work this year, the price tag only goes up, and there's a chance they could be paying him nearly $35 million during his age-39 season in 2028-2029.
Again... Bravo, Mike Gansey.
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