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Cavaliers negotiate James Harden deal as Lakers pursue Jonathan Kuminga
The Cleveland Cavaliers are close to finalising a new contract with former MVP James Harden after he declined a $42.3 million player option to become a free agent. Insiders say the agreement will likely be limited to two years with modest guarantees and a slightly reduced annual salary, allowing Cleveland to stay under the NBA’s second‑apron luxury‑tax threshold while preserving flexibility for other targets such as Jonathan Kuminga.
The Los Angeles Lakers remain keen on adding the 23‑year‑old wing Jonathan Kuminga, but their lack of cap space forces them to consider a sign‑and‑trade. Such a deal would require a three‑year contract worth more than $20 million per year and would likely involve sending players like Jarred Vanderbilt and a future first‑round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have also shown interest in Cleveland’s pivot Jarrett Allen, though they have indicated no intention to move him. Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to monitor Kuminga, potentially offering Max Strus or Dennis Schröder in a trade package.
Entities
Atlanta Hawks · Cleveland Cavaliers · James Harden · Jarrett Allen · Jonathan Kuminga · Koby Altman · Los Angeles Lakers
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cleveland Cavaliers are negotiating a new contract with James Harden that could be limited to two years with modest guarantees and a slightly lower annual salary. www.parlons-basket.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Lakers would need to include players such as Jarred Vanderbilt and a future first‑round pick in the trade package for Kuminga. www.spacemoney.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lakers may need to pivot to other options because Jonathan Kuminga is reluctant to accept a three‑year contract required by a sign‑and‑trade. www.si.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cleveland Cavaliers have also shown interest in Jonathan Kuminga, potentially offering Max Strus or Dennis Schröder in a trade. www.spacemoney.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Jonathan Kuminga via a sign‑and‑trade that would require a three‑year contract worth more than $20 million per year. www.spacemoney.com.br · www.si.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] James Harden declined a $42.3 million player option to become a free agent. www.parlons-basket.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Cavaliers want to keep their payroll under the NBA’s second‑apron luxury‑tax threshold while extending Harden’s contract. www.parlons-basket.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Atlanta Hawks have expressed interest in Cleveland’s pivot Jarrett Allen but have no plans to trade him. www.basketusa.com