Cleveland just handed James Harden a three-year, $97 million contract — a bold move for a 36-year-old with a playoff track record that’s raising eyebrows. Harden waited patiently, letting the Cavs acquire Peyton Watson via sign-and-trade, which may have unlocked extra cap space and that hefty third year. While his regular-season stats since joining in February 2026 are solid — averaging over 20 points and 7 assists — his steep drop in shooting during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks casts serious doubt. This is a high-stakes gamble: rewarding cooperation with a long-term commitment, hoping he can still deliver when it matters most.
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