According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cleveland Cavaliers and James Harden are reportedly expected to come together on an agreement surrounding the veteran guard’s future within the organization.

It’s widely believed Harden will sign a multi-year contract extension this upcoming offseason in the summer; while nothing can be signed now, a verbal agreement can be made.

A reduced yearly salary in exchange for more guaranteed money over more seasons could help the Cavaliers manage its second-apron obligations. Cleveland carries the league’s largest payroll at $226 million, exceeding $280 million including the luxury tax.

This season, the 36-year-old averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in 26 games for Kenny Atkinson’s team.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers have traded veteran guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for young point guard Darius Garland.

The full terms of the deal sees Cleveland getting Harden, while Los Angeles gets Garland and a second-round pick. Initially, it was the Cavaliers who wanted a pick, but they were ultimately the ones who gave out draft capital.

Reportedly, over the past couple of days, both the 36-year-old and the Clippers were working together to find him a new home. This comes after the Clippers did not want to give Harden a two-year, $80 million extension. Harden didn’t like that, and he shortly there afterwards requested out of Los Angeles.

In six years, Harden has requested four trades. Since 2020, he has been with the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and most recently the Clippers. Cleveland will mark his fifth team in six years.

For Garland, the 26-year-old spent his entire career with the Cavaliers. Throughout the season, he has been facing injuries to his feet/toes. He has not played a game since January 14th. Garland is currently signed through the 2027-28 season on his five-year, $193 million extension. This extension was signed back in 2022.

According to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Evan Mobley has suffered a left calf strain and will be sidelined for one-to-three weeks. Mobley suffered the injury during Monday’s victory against the Orlando Magic.

In December, the 24-year-old missed five games after suffering a Grade 1 calf strain.

This season, Mobley has been a key part of Cleveland’s offensive and defensive production. His on-the-court impact consists of 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, sitting at 28-20 on the season.