James Harden inks $97 million deal with Cavaliers after gun charge is dropped
James Harden signed a three-year, $97 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers weeks after his misdemeanor weapons charge was dismissed.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and James Harden finalized a three-year contract worth $97 million, featuring a player option and a trade kicker, which will bring his total NBA earnings to $511 million, joining an elite group of half-billion earners. The agreement arrives shortly after Houston police detained Harden on June 13 for allegedly carrying an unholstered gun, resulting in a misdemeanor charge that prosecutors dismissed on Aug. 6 following an alternative resolution.
The Cavaliers said they were aware of the incident at the time of his arrest. Harden, who was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers in February alongside Darius Garland, has averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists in 26 games with Cleveland. His agents disclosed the terms to a journalist at one outlet. The deal underscores his financial stature despite recent legal troubles.
Why it matters
The contract shows a star NBA player securing a massive deal despite recent legal issues, affecting team payroll and league earnings rankings.
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