Acquiring James Harden paid off briefly, yet his shaky start now threatens a $97 MM burden for the Cavaliers, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Harden is posting a career‑low 15.3 points on 36.4% shooting, with assists down to 5.7 per game and 3.0 turnovers. In 359 minutes with him, Cleveland’s offense rates 108.6; without him, in 174 minutes, it jumps to 123.5.
Signed to a three‑year, $97 MM deal, Harden leaves the Cavs with few cap options. For my money, the only realistic hope is that he recaptures his old fire to mask defensive flaws.
Here’s more on the Cavaliers:
- Riley Minix secured a two‑year two‑way contract, Hoops Rumors reports. After being waived Thursday, the 26‑year‑old small forward re‑signed over the weekend, logging 10 points and five rebounds across his last two appearances.
- Jaylon Tyson (right ankle sprain) is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s Knicks game, per Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs. He’s sat out the past six contests with the injury.