Cavs Doubling Down On James Harden After Eastern Conference Finals Loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers might not be out of the James Harden business just yet.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, their 2025-26 season ended on Monday night with a 130-93 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. They just never seemed confident after blowing a 22-point lead in Game 1.

Harden struggled in the Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 16.0 points per game on 38.9% shooting from the field. Not only was he lackluster from the field, he had 17 turnovers in four games. And yet despite getting swept, he said the Cavaliers are a better team than the Knicks.

"It was 4-0, but I don't think we had a chance as far as our best shot," Harden told reporters. "They dominated us 4-0. But I don't know if I can necessarily answer that question. Because genuinely I do feel like we're the better team."

Even though Harden wasn't his best when it mattered most, ESPN's Brian Windhorst is reporting that Cleveland wants to sign the former MVP to a long-term deal this offseason.

Committed to Cleveland.

After the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs, Harden was asked about his future with the team.

"Definitely want to be here," Harden told reporters. "It's tough ending it not how we wanted to, but I think we found something."

Harden has a $42.3 million player option for the 2026-27 season. It's hard to imagine he'll play on an expiring contract.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 12:57 PM.