Cleveland Cavaliers finalize James Harden contract and roster moves

The Cleveland Cavaliers are working to finalize a three-year, $97 million contract for James Harden. The team is currently navigating salary cap constraints following a sign-and-trade deal for Peyton Watson, which placed them near the first-apron hard cap.

To manage these restrictions, the Cavaliers are expected to waive forward Cam Whitmore. By using the stretch provision on Whitmore’s $5.4 million expiring salary, the team could reduce his cap hit to approximately $1.8 million. This move would provide the team with roughly $32 million in breathing room below the first apron.

Following the addition of Harden, the Cavaliers plan to sign a draft-rights rookie to serve as their 14th man. While the team previously acquired Ismael Kamagate, reports suggest that 2022 second-round pick Khalifa Diop may be the player brought in to sign a standard NBA contract.