The Cleveland Cavaliers were disappointed to hear that James Harden was arrested earlier this offseason. Harden was arrested on charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon. He was arrested in Houston in June, and he is a free agent.
Harden still hasn’t re-signed with the Cavaliers. This arrest could have had an effect on whether Cleveland was motivated to bring him back. However, Harden has now gotten some good news on his charges, and they have officially been dismissed.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden drives the ball in a game. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Cavaliers’ James Harden Has Gun Charges Dismissed
According to Yahoo Sports, Harden has had his charges dismissed after he completed an “alternative resolution agreement.” That means that this matter is officially closed. Now, Harden can focus solely on signing a contract extension with the Cavaliers.
Harden had been waiting to sign a new deal to see if Cleveland could land LeBron James. Instead, James signed with the 76ers. Now, Harden is waiting to see if they can possibly land Peyton Watson. However, it might behoove the Cavs to explore whether they really want to bring Harden back.
In the 26 regular-season games he played in Cleveland, Harden averaged 20.5 points. 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. He shot 46.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from beyond the 3-point line. In the postseason, all of those stats dropped in a big way.
Yet, the Cavaliers seem committed to bringing him back as their starting point guard next year. They have already re-signed Donovan Mitchell to a long-term extension. However, after trading Darius Garland for Harden, they don’t have much of a choice but to bring Harden back.
Last season was the first year that the core of the team had reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, they are trying to make the leap to the NBA Finals. At what price they bring Harden back might be the determining factor if they can make a trade at the deadline to help them get over the hump.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard James harden shoots the ball in a game. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Cleveland Might Have Second Apron Issues Again
Last season, the Cavaliers finished the year in the second apron of the luxury tax. Depending on what they sign Harden to, they might be in it again. That would hamstring their ability to make trades, and it would freeze their first-round pick, as well.
Dan Gilbert has never been afraid to spend money in the pursuit of a title, but even he might balk at being in the second apron for a second year in a row. Signing Harden to a more team-friendly deal would be the goal so that they have flexibility moving forward.
The Cavaliers will have a harder time making a deep postseason run next year. The Knicks, Pacers, 76ers, and Heat all got better. The Pistons and the Celtics are still good teams, as well. Making a move at the deadline might be the only chance they have to become title contenders.
Cavaliers’ James Harden Gets Positive News on Gun Charges