An NBA analyst has slammed the Cleveland Cavaliers for extending James Harden on a three-year deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a couple of active days in free agency, pulling off a sign-and-trade deal for Peyton Watson and re-signing guard James Harden.
Harden inked a three-year, $97 million deal to stay in Cleveland, including a player option and a trade kicker. Following the new contract, NBA reporter Sam Quinn slammed the Cavs for committing to the 11-time All-Star.
"3 years, $97 million dollars for somebody who turns 37 next week, I just think that's irresponsible," Quinn said.
Harden's age does make a deal like this risky, but he is still playing at a high level at this point in his career. While he is no longer an MVP-caliber player, he is still a great scorer and playmaker.
In 26 games for the Cavs in the 2025-26 season, Harden averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHe was an efficient scorer and led Cleveland in assists, proving to be a quality fit in the backcourt. The Cavs have built a strong starting five with Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, giving them a chance to compete for a title in the 2026-27 season.
However, Koby Altman and the front office did take a chance by giving up draft capital in the Watson deal and signing Harden to a three-year deal.
Cleveland gave up an unprotected first-round pick in 2031 for Watson and signed him to a four-year, $88 million deal with a player option and trade kicker.
Although Watson is a great fit on paper with his athleticism, defense, and shooting, his only great season came last year, posing the risk that it could be a fluke. In the 2025-26 season, Watsona averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 41.1 percent from deep.
Altman's risky moves will be worthwhile if the Cavs win a title in the next few years, as they are in their window to compete for a championship. Cleveland will need Harden to continue playing at an All-Star level as a key leader of the offense next to Mitchell.
