Players don’t switch teams in free agency anymore. Instead, they get traded with one year left on their contract to a team that they’re willing to sign an extension with. Based on Koby Altman’s comments to the media on Thursday afternoon, it seems that’s what happened with James Harden’s trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Altman was asked if there would be a contract extension beyond this year. He mentioned that it wasn’t appropriate to talk about that at this time and that they can’t negotiate one with him until after the Finals. But then, Altman relayed that this is somewhere Harden wants to be.
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“He would love to have a future with the Cavaliers,” Altman said.
“Because…he had a de facto no-trade clause, he waived that to come to Cleveland, and I think that’s something that needs to be spoken about. He had control of where he’d be traded or not traded, and he sought us out as a destination, a basketball destination, leaving lovely Los Angeles and an incredible basketball situation where he was at to where he wants to be to compete for a championship.”
Harden is making $39.4 million this season and has a player option for $42.3 for the following season. The Cavs wouldn’t have traded for him if they knew he didn’t want to be here. And presumably, Harden wouldn’t have waived his no-trade clause if he knew they weren’t going to give him a contract extension.
We’ll see how this plays out next summer. The Cavs giving him another two-year contract with the second year being a player option would seem likely based on Harden’s age and how he’s conducted business the last several seasons.
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For now, it’s clear that Harden wants to be in Cleveland, and the Cavs are happy he’s here.
“I’ve been banging this drum for a long time: Cleveland’s a great basketball destination,” Altman said. “You can have some of the best years of your career here, and guys want to play here. One of the best players to ever put on a jersey wants to be here in Cleveland, and I think it’s a privilege. I think it’s a privilege and honor that we’re going to see James surpass a bunch of milestones as he chases this championship ring with us.”
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